United States of America v. Laura Marie Means

Cheyenne, Wyoming, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with orchestrating a massive, multiyear wire fraud and tax evasion scheme that defrauded her former employer of nearly $1.5 million.

Laura Marie Means, 46, of Jackson, Wyoming, was hired in late 2015 as the bookkeeper for a prominent Jackson family business that owned several local lodging and hospitality properties. In her role, Means maintained sole control over employee payroll, bank accounts, and tax reporting.

The fraudulent activity began in February 2019, shortly after Means relocated from Wyoming to Hawaii. Although her employer permitted her to retain her position remotely on the condition that she travel back to Jackson once a month, Means instead used her remote status to execute a sophisticated embezzlement scheme that continued through September 2025.

The Defendant was found guilty and was sentenced to 46 months in prison. Means was also ordered to pay $355,875.32 in restitution.