Date: 03-12-2025

Case Style:

United States of America v. Kevin Carney

Case Number: 17-CR-50127

Judge: Robert J. Colville

Court: The United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania (Allegheny County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: The United States Attorney’s Office for Pittsburgh

Defendant's Attorney:

Click Here For The Best Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Lawyer Directory

Description:

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with Defrauding Investors in $2 Million Green Energy Scheme
Ohio Man Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Investors in $2 Million Green Energy Scheme

A resident of Euclid, Ohio, was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud.

Kevin Carney, 63 and his co-conspirators, Robert Irey (deceased) and Jonathan Freeze, owned and ran a company called Alternative Energy Holdings, LLC (AEH). The co-conspirators informed victims that AEH was going to build a plant that would convert biodegradable waste into green energy and offered the victims an opportunity to invest in AEH. Specifically, the co-conspirators solicited short-term loans that offered high interest rates and, in some cases, an ownership interest in AEH. Carney and his co-conspirators told victims that their funds would be used for costs associated with building the plant and other business expenses. Instead, the co-conspirators often split the victims’ funds three ways and used it for their personal benefit, including for gambling, high-end clothing, and restaurants. Despite the promise of a short-term repayment, the co-conspirators did not repay the victims. From approximately June 2016 until April 2018, the co-conspirators defrauded over 20 victims out of approximately $2 million.

Both Irey and Freeze also pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, with Freeze currently scheduled for sentencing in May 2025.

Assistant United States Attorneys Lee J. Karl and Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the United States Postal Inspection Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Carney.

Outcome:

Defendant was found guilty and sentenced to 30 months of prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

Comments: