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Former Minneapolis Chamber CEO Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud in Embezzlement Case

Prosecutors estimate a 27 to 33 month sentence under a deal that drops four other counts, with about $213,000 in restitution.

Overview

  • He admitted in federal court to stealing a $30,000 Crime Stoppers refund that had been donated for tips in three 2021 child shootings in North Minneapolis.
  • Charging documents say he created a fake consulting firm, Synergy Partners, using the alias “James Sullivan,” and routed $107,500 to the sham company.
  • Prosecutors say he opened a $200,000 line of credit in the Chamber’s name, drew $125,000, and used the funds for personal expenses.
  • He used the Chamber credit card for a family trip to Hawaii, incurring about $15,700 for first-class airfare and an oceanfront hotel, then fabricated cover documents.
  • Investigators also detailed a denied $54,661 bank loan application supported by a fake paystub, while sentencing will be set later by Judge Nancy Brasel following FBI and Postal Inspection Service investigations.