An Atlanta resident, Maurice Eugene Smith, 44, was apprehended on allegations of wire fraud related to a purported fraudulent travel arrangement for George Mason University's men's basketball team. The arrest was announced by Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and David E. Geist, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal and Cyber Division.
The accusations stem from a criminal complaint detailing that in June 2023, GMU representatives engaged with Company A to organize an international trip to the Bahamas for August 2024. Company A’s owner reached out to Smith's company, Eugene Toriko LLC, for these arrangements. Smith allegedly quoted $149,542.40 for the trip covering transportation and accommodation among other expenses.
By early 2024, a draft itinerary costing $164,336 was presented to GMU based on Smith's inputs. However, he later reduced this cost to $159,756. In April 2024, GMU officials and Company A formalized a contract for the trip and made initial payments totaling over $100,000.
Despite receiving funds from Company A totaling $109,756.07 meant for securing travel reservations and accommodations at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in the Bahamas, Smith is accused of failing to make any actual bookings or payments.
The complaint further alleges that Smith continued communicating with Company A about logistical details as if preparations were underway until just days before the scheduled departure date.
As of now, GMUF has not been reimbursed for their financial contributions towards this trip. While Smith claimed his professional liability insurance would cover any losses incurred by GMUF and Company A due to his actions, it was discovered that his insurance had lapsed.
Smith faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of wire fraud charges. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge considering various guidelines and statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Rumbaugh is handling the prosecution of this case.