Gregg County Man Sentenced in Counterfeit Silver Scheme
Posted/updated on: May 30, 2014 at 12:14 pm
TYLER – A 47-year-old Longview man has been sentenced to federal prison in a case involving counterfeit materials. James Leroy Frattarola pleaded guilty March 5 to possessing counterfeit silver bars with the intent to defraud another. He was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison Thursday in Tyler by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider.
According to information presented in court, on Sep. 13, 2013, Frattarola possessed approximately 90 one-ounce silver bars, stamped with the impression, “.999 FINE SILVER” and “NORTHWEST TERRITORIAL MINT” with intent to defraud another. Frattarola admitted to possessing the counterfeit bars in Longview and to engaging in similar criminal conduct on other occasions involving a total of nine victims. Frattarola was indicted by a federal grand jury on Oct. 23, 2013. Frattarola was also ordered to pay a total of $28,720.40 in restitution to be divided among nine victims.
