U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Mark Totten, has announced that Gregory Hite and Bridget Bureau have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a fraud and identity theft scheme that defrauded nearly 40 victims of over $3 million. The couple, both aged 39 and residents of Lake, Michigan, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney. Hite received a sentence of 150 months in prison while Bureau was sentenced to 51 months. Both were ordered to pay restitution amounting to $1,952,186.
"Protecting victims from financial crimes is part of keeping our communities safe," stated U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. "Hite and Bureau deceived unsuspecting victims out of millions of dollars for their personal gain. Criminals do not always wear masks and carry a gun; sometimes they carry out their deeds with a pen and paper and a dash of charm. We are determined to hold fraudsters accountable whoever they are."
The couple admitted guilt to conspiring to commit wire fraud and using others' identities unlawfully to obtain financing for their former businesses in West Michigan. These businesses operated under various names such as Hites RV, Alpine Trailer Sales, Great Lakes Recreational, Great Lakes Trailer, GLR Transport, and Great Lakes Trailer Manufacturing.
From 2016 to 2020, Hite and Bureau used the identities of credit-worthy individuals without consent to secure loans totaling $5,443,982 for their business ventures. They provided false information on loan documents and impersonated victims during phone calls with other victims while using multiple limited liability companies to conceal their fraudulent activities. Their scheme eventually collapsed when funds ran out and lenders sought repayment from the identity theft victims.
Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan commented on the case saying: "The sentencing of Gregory Hite and Bridget Bureau highlights the FBI’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding vulnerable victims and financial institutions from those who exploit and defraud the system." He further emphasized that "The FBI in Michigan will remain relentless in its efforts to protect our communities and ensure accountability for those who engage in fraudulent schemes."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted an investigation into this case.