An Osceola man, Levelle Joseph Harris, 38, of Kissimmee, has been arrested following a federal indictment that charges him with conducting a wire fraud scheme, the United States Attorney's Office announced. According to a press release, Harris is facing four counts of wire fraud which could translate to up to 20 years in federal prison for each count if convicted.
The scheme, which unfolded between February 7, 2022, and January 31, 2023, saw Harris fraudulently obtaining a mortgage through false representations, thereafter purchasing a property that, having previously run afoul of the law, was now subject to federal criminal forfeiture. Over $650,000 was obtained by Harris as part of the scheme which, running into the law's arms, was devised by him to deceive. A forfeiture order for $651,432, the total amount of proceeds from the fraud, is also being pursued against him.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the agency behind the investigation leading up to these serious charges against Harris. Specialist hands tasked with the prosecution include Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk, entrusted with bringing forth the government's case, and Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Harrington, whose role in handling the forfeiture strings together the government’s efforts to recuperate the ill-gotten gains.
