Date: 01-18-2021

Case Style:

Case Number: 3:20-cr-05065-RJB

Judge: Robert J. Bryan

Court: United States District Court for the Western District of Washington (Pierce County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: United States District Attorney’s Office, Tacoma, Washington

Defendant's Attorney:

Tacoma, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer Directory

OR

Just Call 855-853-4800 for Free Help Finding a Lawyer to Help You.

Description: Tacoma, Washington wire fraud charge criminal defense lawyer represented Defendant, Cova Campbell, a/k/a Cova Hunter, who was charged with wire fraud in connection with her scheme to steal nearly $7 million. She used a variety of schemes to divert $6.9 in public money to her own bank accounts.

According to records filed in the case, CAMPBELL initiated wire transfers of as much as $500,000 from Pierce County Housing Authority accounts to her own bank accounts. One of the transfers was in connection with the purchase of land in Oklahoma. CAMBELL also prepared and submitted false invoices to PCHA and made them appear they were from an outside vendor. PCHA paid the invoices, and the money went into CAMPBELL’s bank accounts. CAMPBELL covered up her fraud by labeling these fraudulent charges as “investments,” “insurance,” or “maintenance” in the PCHA accounting records.

According to the plea agreement, CAMPBELL used the money to play for land and improvements to that land in Oklahoma, for improvements to her home in Lakewood, Washington, and for travel including trips to Las Vegas and the chartering of a private jet. She used some of the money for the purchase of two cars. She also diverted large amounts of the money for gambling and internet gaming.

The Washington State Auditor’s Office uncovered the financial irregularities, and CAMPBELL’s employment was terminated by the Housing Authority on August 8, 2019.

Wire Fraud - 18:1343

CAMPBELL was arrested in March 2020 in Redbird, Oklahoma.

Wire fraud is punishable by up to twenty years in prison. CAMPBELL is required to make restitution of $6,997,486.

The case is being investigated by the FBI and HUD-OIG. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian Werner.

Outcome: 01/08/2021 25 ORDER granting 24 Motion for Leave to Proceed with Guilty Plea by Video or Telephonic Hearing ; as to Cova Campbell (1) signed by Judge Robert J. Bryan. (TC) (Entered: 01/08/2021)
01/08/2021 26 NOTICE OF HEARING as to Cova Campbell. (cc: USPO, PTS, USMO) Change of Plea Hearing set for 1/15/2021 at 11:00 AM before Judge J Richard Creatura. (KAM) (Entered: 01/08/2021)

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

Comments: