TAMPA, Fla.–A Florida man has been charged with attempting to defraud three different credit unions in part by making false claims about military service.
Richard E. Bowe, 40, of Riverview, Fla., was charged with four counts of making false statements to federally insured credit unions as part of an effort that netted him nearly $100,000 from the credit unions, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
If convicted, Bowe faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. The indictment also notifies Bowe that the United States intends to forfeit $96,184.13, which is alleged to be the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct.
According to the indictment, between January and early March 2015, Bowe sought a number of loans from the three credit unions. In his loan applications, he falsely indicated that he was employed by the United States Army Contracting Command as a Deputy Inspector General, and that he was earning a monthly salary in excess of $14,000. Bowe also falsified information about his military service and VA benefits.
The credit unions allegedly victimized by the scam include Tampa Bay FCU, Florida Central CU and USF FCU.