Please E-mail suggested additions, comments and/or corrections to Kent@MoreLaw.Com.
Date: 09-06-2021
Case Style:
Case Number: 2:20-cr-00183-PPS-JEM
Judge: Philip P. Simon
Court: United States District Court for the Northern District of Indian (Lake County)
Plaintiff's Attorney: United States Attorney’s Office
Defendant's Attorney:
Description: Hammond, IN: Bankruptcy fraud criminal defense lawyer represented Defendant, Mary Cossey, age 54, of Munster, Indiana, who engaged in a scheme to defraud the Chapter 13 bankruptcy trustee and her creditors in order to take advantage of the benefits of bankruptcy—including the imposition of a stay on collection and elimination of debts—without making the financial sacrifices required under Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code. Cossey did not disclose on her bankruptcy petition a personal debt relationship with her personal friend and creditor, identified in the Indictment as Individual A. Even though she was prohibited from incurring new debts during her bankruptcy case, Cossey charged over $240,000 on Individual A’s credit card during the course of her bankruptcy for personal expenses including multiple vacations, luxury clothing and accessories, and jewelry. Cossey incurred other post-petition debts without the permission of the Trustee and failed to disclose changes in her employment and income during her case. Cossey repaid most of her debt Individual A, while unsecured creditors received only 27% repayment for debts that were discharged in bankruptcy. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Cossey will be required to pay $81,159.97 in restitution to the Chapter 13 bankruptcy trustee
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service in collaboration with the Northern Indiana Region 10 Office of the U.S. Trustee, Nancy J. Gargula. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abizer Zanzi and Thomas McGrath.
18:1343 WIRE FRAUD and FORFEITURE ALLEGATIONS
(1-2)
18:1343 WIRE FRAUD and FORFEITURE ALLEGATIONS
(3)
Outcome: CHANGE OF PLEA HEARING as to Mary Cossey held on 8/31/2021 before Judge Philip P. Simon. Govt present by AUSA Abizer Zanzi and Thomas McGrath. Dft is present in person and by counsel Scott King. Defendant sworn and advised of rights and penalties. Dft pleads guilty to Count 3 of the Indictment. Court orders judgment of guilty entered on count 3 of the Indictment. Plea of guilty is accepted by the Court. Court reserves acceptance of plea agreement pending a review of the Presentence Investigation Report. Defendant is referred to U.S. Probation for preparation of a presentence investigation report. Trial date of 9/20/2021 is vacated. Sentencing set for 1/13/2022 01:00 PM in US District Court - Hammond before Judge Philip P Simon. Bond and conditions of release previously imposed on defendant shall remain in effect. Parties are to refer to General Order 2010-8 for Presentence Procedures and the timeline for filings prior to the sentencing hearing. No further Order regarding Sentencing Memoranda will be issued. (Court Reporter Stacy Drohosky.) (nac) Modified on 9/1/2021 to add language regarding general order. (nac). (Entered: 09/01/2021)
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments: