At the end of July 2018, Kristopher Chavez was convicted of white collar crime in Boulder County for violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, as well as 19 counts of felony theft. He was accused of running a fraudulent timeshare transfer scheme from 2014 to September 2016. Investigators said that Chavez and his two associates would contact timeshare owners across the United States, mostly elderly owners, and invite them to a seminar at a local hotel. During this meeting, they would pitch a proposal where the owners would pay a one-time fee to transfer ownership of their timeshares.
Once the payment was made, Chavez would transfer the title out of their names and sign paperwork. Unfortunately, this entire scheme was fraudulent and owners later discovered that their timeshares were not legitimately transferred. In fact, they were still liable for the homeowners association dues and maintenance fees and many of these owners never even knew they still owed payments.
The other two conspirators were arrested and charged with crimes as well. Chavez’s co-defendant, Tim Hatcher, took a plea deal and his other partners Shaun Fletcher still has a case pending.
The organized crime violation is a Class 2 felony and it could land Chavez in prison for up to 24 years. It carries a minimum sentencing of 8 years in prison. The at-risk theft charge is a Class 3 felony and could result in up to 12 years in prison. The other theft counts each count at Class 5 and 6 felonies and could result in up to 3 years in prison each. Chavez is expected to be sentenced on November 2.
Further Reading: What is Considered a Hate Crime in Colorado?
White Collar Crimes are Serious Crimes
In Colorado, prosecutors take swift action against individuals accused of defrauding the elderly and other residents in the state. White collar crimes are serious crimes and can result in lengthy prison sentences. If you are under investigation or are currently facing white collar criminal charges, it is important that you contact an experienced Boulder criminal defense lawyer immediately. You may find yourself facing both state and federal charges and investigation. When this occurs, we can help.
Contact our Boulder Criminal Defense Lawyers Today
If you’ve been arrested and charged with embezzlement, RICO, tax evasion, fraud, or other white collar crime, it is important to understand the severity of these charges. Contact the Boulder criminal defense lawyers at Steven Louth Law Offices today for a free consultation and review of your case. Call us at (303) 422-2297 to start building a solid defense against these serious criminal charges.