United States v. Issa, No. 20-2949 (7th Cir. 2021)
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From 2010-2017, Issa stole from Weston (his employer), Weston’s family members, and other individuals from whom he solicited money for phony investments. As Weston’s Chief Financial Officer, Issa wielded power of attorney for Weston and exercised almost total control over the family’s considerable assets. Through forgery and fraud, Issa transferred tens of millions of dollars in Weston assets to his own accounts. Issa bought at least 25 residential properties, two private planes, four yachts, and 60 firearms with money that he stole, totaling $77,494,657.
Issa pled guilty to wire fraud, 18 U.S.C. 1343. Issa agreed that his offense level should be “increased by 2 levels, pursuant to Guideline 3A1.1(b)(1) because [Issa] knew or should have known" that at least one victim was a vulnerable victim. Issa knew of Weston’s mother’s illness and that another victim was recently widowed. The district court allowed the Westons to make oral statements at sentencing,. In pronouncing the sentence, the district court noted “the very personal nature of the offense,” and the suggestion that Issa named his children after the Westons to ingratiate himself. The Seventh Circuit affirmed Issa’s 200-month sentence, below the 235–293 months Guidelines range, rejecting arguments that the district court violated Issa’s due process rights by admitting and relying upon the victims’ sentencing submissions and applying a vulnerable victim enhancement.
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