United States of America v. Sabrina Taylor

Seattle, Washington criminal defense lawyer represented defendant charged with wire fraud.



A 40-year-old Tacoma woman pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud for a scheme to defraud various friends and acquaintances. Sabrina Taylor admitted to lying about her health, employment status, and her education to steal more than $600,000 from people who had offered to help her.



Starting in 2013, and continuing into July 2019 and beyond, Taylor convinced various people to provide her with large amounts of money by claiming that she needed to purchase medicine for multiple sclerosis, pay her tuition for the University of Washington, or bail her brother out of jail. In fact, Taylor did not have multiple sclerosis, was not paying tuition to U.W., and did not have a brother in jail. Rather, Taylor used a substantial portion of the defrauded funds to pay for luxuries such as almost $60,000 for multiple trips to Japan and Korea, nearly $38,000 for online purchases from Amazon and Etsy, more than $29,000 for clothing, and nearly $16,000 for make-up.



Taylor also made false claims about how she was planning to repay loans, lying about her employment, a litigation settlement from a local bank, and funds she expected to receive from her parents.



Taylor met some of the people she defrauded online, using shared interests such as Japanese anime, comic books, or video games to establish a relationship. Taylor admitted to stealing over $550,000 from one victim.



Prosecutors agreed to recommend no more than 27 months in prison for Taylor. However, Chief Judge Martinez is not bound by the recommendation and can impose any sentence up to the statutory maximum 20 years after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Taylor will also pay restitution to her victims for the money she stole.



The case was investigated by the FBI.



The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Silvio.



Wire Fraud - 18:1343 and 2

(1)

Wire Fraud - 18:1343 and 2

(2-4)

07/01/2022 31 Minute Entry for proceedings held before Hon. Michelle L. Peterson- CRD: tfarrell; AUSA: Joseph Silvio; Def Cnsl: Greg Geist; Court Reporter: Zoom video recording; Time of Hearing: 11:00am; Courtroom: via Zoom video; CHANGE OF PLEA HEARING as to Sabrina Taylor held on 7/1/2022. Defendant present on bond. Court addresses need to proceed remotely. Deft consents to proceed. Defendant placed under oath and advised of rights/charges/penalties; Defendant executes Consent to Rule 11 Plea in a felony case before a U.S. Magistrate Judge; Defendant age = born 1981; Education = 2 years college; Court reviews the plea agreement; Sabrina Taylor (1) pleads GUILTY to Count 1. Remaining Counts to be dismissed at sentencing. Court finds the Defendant is competent to enter a guilty plea; Court signs the Report and Recommendation and Counsel have fourteen days to file objections; Court orders the preparation of a Presentence Report. Defendant remains on bond. Sentencing set for 10/7/2022 at 10:00 AM before Judge Ricardo S. Martinez. (TF) (Entered: 07/01/2022)

07/01/2022 32 CONSENT TO RULE 11 PLEA in a felony case as to Sabrina Taylor. (TF) (Entered: 07/01/2022)

07/01/2022 33 PLEA AGREEMENT as to Sabrina Taylor. (cc: USPO, FLU, AFU) (TF) (Entered: 07/01/2022)

07/01/2022 34 REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION re Plea of Guilty as to Sabrina Taylor by Hon. Michelle L. Peterson. Noting Date 7/15/2022. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Acceptance of Plea) (cc: USPO) (TF) (Entered: 07/01/2022)