The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced charges against Henry J. White, Jr., aged 75, and Patricia A. White, aged 69. The siblings from Old Greenwich, CT, are accused of conspiracy to submit fraudulent claims for unclaimed property to state treasuries across the United States.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus explained that the Whites allegedly submitted over $1.2 million in fraudulent claims. Using corporate entities with no legitimate affiliation, Henry J. White, Jr. is said to have applied for and received unclaimed property, providing certifications under penalty of perjury. State treasuries issued payment checks based on these certifications, sending them mainly via U.S. mail to the defendants' shared address.
The funds from these allegedly fraudulent claims were purportedly deposited and used by the Whites for personal expenses, including mortgage payments for their Connecticut home.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma prosecuting. If found guilty, the defendants face a maximum penalty of five years in prison, supervised release post-imprisonment, and a fine. Sentences are determined by a Judge following federal guidelines and statutes.
It is important to note that indictments and criminal informations are allegations, and all individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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