Crime & Safety

Man With Wexford Connection Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud, Money Laundering

James C. Platts to be sentenced in April.

A former resident of Allegheny County pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of mail fraud conspiracy, mail fraud and money laundering, the U.S. Attorney's office in Pittsburgh announced Monday.

, 60, formerly of P.O. Box 1168, Wexford, pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud, one count of money laundering, and one count of conspiracy to commit fraud before Senior U.S. District Judge Alan N. Bloch.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Platts' business, known as Easy Realty Solutions Inc., entered into agreements with prospective buyers of four residential properties located in Allegheny County.

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In an effort to obtain loans for these buyers, Platts caused false information to be submitted to the lenders to obtain approvals for the loans, Hickton's announcement said. The indictment further alleges that the fraudulent representations submitted by Platts to the lenders included false statements concerning the buyers' incomes, cash on hand, and rental payment histories.

Bloch scheduled sentencing for 1:30 p.m. on April 23. The law provides for a total sentence of 120 years in prison, a fine of $1.75 million or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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Assistant U.S. Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Internal Revenue Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Platts.


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