Weatherly Couple Indicted in $1 Million Fraud Scheme Targeting Elderly Victim

A Carbon County couple is facing federal charges after allegedly defrauding a 93-year-old individual out of nearly $1 million, according to a press release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Christen Lee Cosgrove, 40, and Brian Cosgrove, 37, both of Weatherly, were indicted by a federal grand jury on multiple counts including conspiracy, bank fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.

Federal prosecutors allege that from October 2022 through May 2023, the Cosgroves orchestrated a scheme to divert estate funds and financial assets belonging to the elderly victim. The indictment claims they used fraudulent wire transactions to access the money, which was spent on luxury purchases including real estate, a recreational vehicle, a boat, vacations, and to pay off various personal and business debts.

The indictment includes 59 counts and outlines how the couple allegedly engaged in multiple unlawful financial transactions using the stolen funds. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts, following an investigation led by the Internal Revenue Service and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office.

If convicted, each bank fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, while each wire fraud count carries a maximum of 20 years. Additional penalties may include supervised release and substantial fines. Sentencing will be determined by a federal judge, who will consider sentencing guidelines and statutory factors. It is important to note that indictments are only formal accusations; the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from a press release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

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