COEUR D’ALENE—James Andrew Harris, 44,
of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, pleaded guilty yesterday in United States District
Court to wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.
According to the indictment and the
factual basis read in court today, Harris contacted a Florida resident by
telephone about an investment opportunity. Harris told the individual that he
had a “connection” in the beef industry who helped restaurants, supermarkets,
and other purchasers of beef finance their purchases. Harris represented that
there was a great deal of money to be made in financing the purchases and
encouraged the individual to participate. To help facilitate the illusion of a
partner, Harris utilized an e-mail account, ibuybeef@yahoo.com, and represented
“Cody E” as the partner transmitting e-mail messages. The individual agreed to
participate and sent numerous wire transfers totaling $108,610.27. The
government is seeking restitution for the victim.
The charge is punishable by up to 20
years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of
supervised release.
Sentencing is set for November 5, 2012,
before U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Coeur
d’Alene.
The case was investigated by the Federal
Bureau of Investigation.
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