Lander Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Counts of Wire Fraud Relating to CARES Act Stimulus Funding

United States Attorney for the District of Wyoming Bob Murray announced Thursday that 33-year-old Paul McCown of Lander pleaded guilty at a hearing Tuesday before Chief United States District Court Judge Scott Skavdahl, to four counts of wire fraud in relation to pandemic relief programs administered by the Wyoming Business Council and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds. McCown also pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud relating to money fraudulently obtained from a global asset management company, the proceeds of which were used in part to repay the Wyoming Business Council. Sentencing has been set for June 17, 2022.

If convicted on all counts, McCown faces up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The crime is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.