Philadelphia Sheriff's Office Targeted In Wire Fraud Scheme, 4 Arrested
By Robin Culverwell
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Four Philadelphia men were arrested and charged with wire fraud in connection with a scheme that targeted the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office.
One of those charged is Richard Bell - who worked in the accounting department of the Sheriff's office.
Assistant U-S Attorney Sarah Grieb says 36-year-old Bell wrote more than $400,000 in checks to a Robert Rogers - who's also facing charges.
"Essentially, someone at some point would cash or deposit these checks and the goal was to take the money out and whoever was involved, they would divide the proceeds," said Grieb.
Rogers directed some of the money to Jackiem Wright and Reginald Berry - under a fictitious company name. They're also under arrest.
Prosecutors say Bell also took kickbacks for allowing acquaintances to buy properties at sheriff's sales for just 10 percent of the BID price.
