United States of America v. Javier Antonio Banuelas Urueta

Portland, Oregon criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with Role in Debt Consolidation Scheme

Washington State Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Debt Consolidation Scheme

A Vancouver, Washington man was sentenced to federal prison for intentionally defrauding customers during a multiyear debt consolidation scheme.



Javier Antonio Banuelas Urueta, 55, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison and three years' supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $115,750 in restitution to his victims.



According to court documents, between April 2019 and April 2024, Banuelas and his co-conspirator devised and carried out a scheme whereby they collected money and property from clients in exchange for purported debt consolidation services through their company, ConsoliDebt Solutions, LLC (ConsoliDebt).



Banuelas paid for advertisements offering debt consolidation services on radio stations in Oregon and Washington despite not being licensed to work in the industry or provide such services. When victims called ConsoliDebt they reached Banuelas who would discuss their debts, create monthly payment plans, and falsely claim to consolidate or reduce the victim's debt.



As part of the scheme, Banuelas directed clients to deposit funds directly into ConsoliDebt bank accounts, transfer funds to the company, or mail in personal checks, cashier's checks, or money orders. To instill trust in the company, victims received falsified monthly statements detailing account information, payments received, and debt amounts settled. Instead of paying victims' debts as promised, Bauelas used client funds to pay for personal expenses such as car leases, residential rent, and various wire transfers.



On April 4, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a seven-count indictment charging Banuelas with conspiring to commit and committing mail and wire fraud.



On August 1, 2024, Banuelas pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit and committing mail and wire fraud.



This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Rachel K. Sowray, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.



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