Shanna Krista Raymond Pleads Guilty in U.S. Federal Court

The United States Attorney’s Office announced that during a federal court session in Missoula, on September 10, 2012, before U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy, Shanna Krista Raymond, a 37-year-old resident of Oregon, pled guilty to wire fraud and money laundering. Sentencing has been set for December 20, 2012. She is currently released on special conditions.

In an offer of proof filed by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Chad C. Spraker, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

In early 2008, Raymond learned of a purported high-yield investment through her associate C.L. The investment was to return a large amount of money over a relatively short amount of time and involved Dan Two Feathers, who would invest the funds.

Also in early 2008, Raymond met Brian Gill and discussed the Two Feathers’ investment. Gill expressed interest in promoting the investment.

In late March or early April 2008, Raymond met in Denver with Two Feathers, Gill, and others to discuss the purported investment. Shortly thereafter, Gill entered into a written agreement with Raymond to promote the investment.

Either shortly before or after the Denver meeting, Gill organized a meeting at an automobile shop in Long Beach, California. Several investors or potential investors attended the meeting including A.A., B.B., and C.C. Both Raymond and Gill promoted the investment, and investors were informed that their money would be invested with Dan Two Feathers. After the meeting, C.C. wired $100,000 to Raymond’s bank account.

Raymond, Gill, or their associates also promoted the investment to J.E., L.D., R.M., D.D., S.D., and Larry C. Those investors’ money together with C.C.’s $100,000 totaled $900,000, which Raymond received in her bank account. Raymond sent $500,000 from her bank account in Portland, Oregon, to Two Feathers’ bank account in Hamilton. Raymond used the remaining $400,000 for other purposes.

Neither C.C., J.E., L.D., R.M., D.D., S.D., nor Larry C. received back their principal or a return on the purported investment.

Two Feathers and Gill pled guilty to federal charges. Two Feathers has been sentenced and Gill is awaiting sentencing.

Raymond faces possible penalties of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years’ supervised release.

The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service.