Facing criminal charges can have a number of implications for an individual,
both personally and professionally. Accusations can affect a person’s
reputation, even if the accusations turn out to be unsubstantiated.

When someone is accused of committing a white collar crime, it can be the
result of a federal investigation. After charges are made, prosecutors
often begin building a case against the accused individual. For example,
just recently a New Jersey man was in court after being charged with wire
fraud last year. Federal investigators had discovered a discrepancy in
the tax filings of the company that the man worked for.

While details are few, it appears that the man was employed as an accountant
for a New Jersey company that worked with other companies’ tax and
payroll processes. Investigators discovered several million dollars in
payroll taxes were missing. Prosecutors believe that the New Jersey company
and the man had falsely informed clients that their taxes had been paid,
and instead used the money for their business.

One man has already been convicted of fraud in connection with this case
and could be sent to prison for up to 20 years. In these types of cases,
individuals convicted of the crime are often mandated to pay a hefty sum
in fines and restitution as well.

But the New Jersey man’s trial came to a close without a conviction.
Given the information provided in the trial, the jury couldn’t decide
whether the client’s money for taxes was actually misappropriated
and used instead for the business.

If you find yourself the target of a federal investigation, it can be helpful
to speak with someone who understands the implications of white collar
crime charges. While this man was not convicted by the jury, that is not
always the case and taking steps to protect your rights can help protect
your future as well.

Source: The Record: “Fraud trial of Teaneck accountant ends in deadlock,”
Nick Clunn, Aug. 29, 2011