Two men from Bucks County have been found guilty of multiple fraud charges following a trial, according to an announcement by the United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero. Alan Kane, an attorney from Jamison, and Derrell Johnson from Bensalem, faced a series of accusations, ranging from bankruptcy fraud to making false statements to the FBI.
The verdict came down on Kane for two counts of bankruptcy fraud, one count of filing a false claim in a bankruptcy proceeding, and one count of making a false statement to the law enforcement agency. Johnson's conviction was for two counts of making false statements to the FBI. Their co-defendant, Jonathan Barger, had already pleaded guilty in June to all counts he was charged with in connection with these fraud schemes, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The trio was involved in elaborate fraudulent activities, including attempting to claim ownership of a deceased man's house and scheming to dodge property taxes owed to the City of Philadelphia. Kane found himself employed in a duplicitous role, representing a party with falsified claims to a property while being well aware of the illegitimate nature of the deeds in question, as stated in the indictment. The prosecution's case painted a picture of deceit, where titles were contested and bankruptcy claims falsified for personal gain.
Kane and Johnson's actions reflected a widespread and pernicious effort to undermine the trust in legal and financial institutions, as "white collar crimes, such as bankruptcy fraud, erode confidence in our financial systems," remarked Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia, Wayne A. Jacobs. Kane now faces up to 20 years in prison, alongside other potential penalties, while Johnson could be looking at a decade behind bars. The sentencing is scheduled for January 28, 2025, as reported by the Justice Department.
The FBI's investigation results emphasize the dedication of federal agencies to maintain the integrity of America's financial structure and pursue those who exploit it for personal gain. The Assistant United States Attorney Mark Dubnoff and Special Assistant United States Attorney Hannah McCollum are tasked with the case's prosecution, signaling the severity with which the judicial system treats such fraudulent endeavors.
