Charlotte Area Cases Illustrate Complexities In White Collar Crimes

Thursday, February 09, 2012, proved to be a busy morning in the Mecklenburg County courthouse for white collar convictions. John Knox Bridges plead guilty to several federal charges of securities fraud and money laundering. Spanning a period of four years, Mr. Bridges obtained over $2.3 million from individuals as a result of his fraudulent acts. Mr. Bridges frequently told individuals elaborate stories to obtain such funds, claiming that he needed the money because he was a victim of identity fraud or promising to invest the money in Texas Oil Companies on behalf of the defrauded individuals. Mr. Bridges is currently out of custody on bond, awaiting his sentencing hearing. Based on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, Mr. Bridges faces between 57 and 71 months in prison.

Thursday, February 09, 2012, proved to be a busy morning in the Mecklenburg County courthouse for white collar convictions. John Knox Bridges plead guilty to several federal charges of securities fraud and money laundering. Spanning a period of four years, Mr. Bridges obtained over $2.3 million from individuals as a result of his fraudulent acts. Mr. Bridges frequently told individuals elaborate stories to obtain such funds, claiming that he needed the money because he was a victim of identity fraud or promising to invest the money in Texas Oil Companies on behalf of the defrauded individuals. Mr. Bridges is currently out of custody on bond, awaiting his sentencing hearing. Based on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, Mr. Bridges faces between 57 and 71 months in prison.

In an unrelated case, Ricky Dean Hardee was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for tax evasion. From 2002 to 2007, Mr. Hardee operated a contracting business and instituted an elaborate scheme where he avoided paying $1.52 million in taxes.