A Seattle man, Westcott Francis-Curley, has admitted guilt in U.S. District Court to charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft related to three separate fraudulent schemes conducted between 2019 and 2022. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Francis-Curley has been detained since March 2024 following his indictment in August 2023. Sentencing is set for March 21, 2025, under U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez.
The first scheme began in 2019 when Francis-Curley misappropriated funds from his employer by exploiting cloud computing resources and accounts available to him as an employee. He manipulated employer bank accounts and work authorizations to purchase cloud computing resources at inflated prices, selling them back to the company and pocketing over $550,000 before being caught attempting another significant fraud.
In a second scheme during 2020, Francis-Curley defrauded the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), intended to assist small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. He falsely claimed that two companies he controlled had substantial payrolls eligible for relief, obtaining nearly $100,000 which he spent on personal items.
The third fraudulent act occurred in October 2022 when Francis-Curley acquired a credit card using the identity of a former significant other, incurring over $1,000 in personal expenses.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys have agreed to recommend a three-year prison sentence for these offenses; however, Judge Martinez is not obligated to follow this recommendation and may impose any lawful sentence. Additionally, Francis-Curley has consented to pay restitution to his former employer, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the individual whose identity was used fraudulently.
Wire fraud carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment or up to 30 years if connected with national disaster relief efforts. Aggravated identity theft mandates an additional consecutive two-year prison term beyond any other sentences imposed.
The FBI conducted the investigation into this case which is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David T. Martin.