Leeds Man Signs Plea Agreement in Fraud Scheme

 

A 22-year-old Leeds, N.D., man has been charged with wire fraud, money laundering and a forfeiture allegation.

Hunter Brian Hanson, age 22, of Leeds, has signed a plea agreement, showing his intent to plead guilty to these charges.

Under the plea agreement terms, Hanson has agreed to plead guilty to the charges, and will admit to a forfeiture allegation for his access, which are proceeds of the crimes. He has also agreed to pay restitution in the amount of more than 11 million dollars.

The United States will recommend a sentence of three years of supervised release.

The crimes occurred from January to December of last year. Hanson executed a scheme to defraud approximately 60 farmers, elevators or commodity brokers in North Dakota, Minnesota and Canada.

Hanson will be arraigned on June 18 in Bismarck, and the change of plea will occur on July 30, also in Bismarck.