A Texas man faces decades in prison after defrauding victims out of millions of dollars by fabricating claims of military service and cartel threats.#Texas #News #AustinTX #Crime
Austin, TexasA Texas man who falsely claimed to be a veteran of the U.S. Army Delta Force received a sentence of 40 years in federal prison. Kota Youngblood, also known as Saint Jovite Youngblood, defrauded scores of victims out of over $12 million by using his false military credentials. The judgment brings an end to a case in which victims fell for a complex swindle and suffered financial ruin.
Fraudulent Claims and Deceptive Tactics
In April 2024, 52-year-old Youngblood was found guilty of four charges of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. He was given a 480-month prison sentence and mandated to reimburse his victims $12,766,384 on December 5, 2024. In announcing the sentence, the Western District of Texas U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized the seriousness of his offenses.
The scammer claimed that members of a Mexican drug cartel were going to hurt his victims while posing as a veteran of the U.S. Army Delta Force. Youngblood used his victims by fabricating a story of impending peril in order to offer protection in return for cash.
Additionally, he guaranteed substantial profits on investments committed to finance these purported protective initiatives. However, Youngblood gambled with the money at casinos in Las Vegas rather than using it for the intended purpose.
Impact on Victims and Statements from Authorities
The victims suffered a great deal, both financially and emotionally. Because of Youngblood’s bogus allegations, many people were left worrying about their safety and thinking that their families were in danger. After being duped by his false claims, some victims lost all of their life savings, while others had nothing left.
Regarding the case, U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza said, “This fraudster formed intimate relationships with dozens of people, gaining a great deal of trust, seemingly only to ruin their lives financially through intricate, dishonest misrepresentations.”
He went on, “It is my hope that the people and families affected by his schemes are able to repair any loss they have suffered. The 40-year sentence that Youngblood will now serve in federal prison, along with the full restitution paid back to the victims, demonstrates the gravity of these crimes.”
The FBI provided input on the case as well. According to San Antonio Field Office Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp, several of Youngblood’s victims were terrified that their families were in danger, while others lost their jobs as a result of his schemes. The heinousness of Mr. Youngblood’s crimes and falsehoods is reflected in this punishment.
The FBI is dedicated to spotting frauds like these and making sure that those who try to defraud innocent Americans out of their money are held accountable, he continued.
The restitution judgment and Youngblood’s 40-year sentence are interpreted as a warning that such deception will not go unpunished. In an attempt to aid the victims in their recovery from the severe losses they endured, the decision was made to demand complete recompense.
Associated Topics: Texas Crime
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