Criminal Complaint Lawyer: Defending a Fraud Victim

The client met the perpetrator at a local book club, where he falsely claimed to be employed at a major corporation with access to profitable machinery-investment opportunities.

He convinced her that early contributions would yield significant returns, prompting her to send more than 30 separate payments beginning with an initial $2,000.

As a widowed parent raising three children alone, she was particularly vulnerable to false assurances of financial stability.
 

When promised distributions never arrived and excuses continued, she realized she had been systematically defrauded.

Our attorneys compiled documentary evidence demonstrating that the perpetrator operated a fabricated business with no legitimate investment activity.

Text messages revealed he lied about his employment, his company, and the investment itself.
 

Under New York Penal Law §155.05 and §190.65, obtaining property through false representation constitutes larceny by trick and scheme to defraud—critical elements we highlighted in the complaint.
 

We further demonstrated the pattern of repeated solicitations, supporting a finding of intentional misappropriation rather than a civil misunderstanding.

We compiled banking records, wire confirmations, and communication logs mapping the timeline of every fraudulent payment.

Screenshots established that the perpetrator fabricated his corporate affiliation, misrepresented the nature of the investment, and concealed that he previously served sentences for similar fraud offenses.
 

His pattern of deception presented strong proof of intent, elevating the case beyond a contractual dispute.

The client had depleted nearly all of her savings, hoping to recoup losses each time the perpetrator requested additional capital.

Because none of the funds were returned and the perpetrator used the money for gambling, we emphasized the severity of the loss under New York’s restitution and victim-impact standards.
 

Her financial collapse and continued emotional distress were presented in a sworn victim statement submitted with the complaint.

This case underscores how crucial it is for victims of financial crimes to work with a skilled criminal complaint lawyer who understands both investigative procedures and New York fraud statutes.

Through early evidence preservation, structured complaint drafting, and advocacy throughout the prosecutorial process, we helped the client obtain a just and effective outcome.

Key Takeaways for Fraud Victims Seeking Legal Relief

• Document communications early and thoroughly
• Report suspected fraud promptly to preserve financial records
• Work with an attorney familiar with New York Penal Law to ensure proper complaint procedures
• Provide a complete victim-impact account to support sentencing

These steps strengthen a complaint and ensure prosecutors have the tools needed to pursue maximum penalties.