Former Machesney Park Man Charged with Bankruptcy Fraud |
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Topics: Robert Yonkee, Jr.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Illinois
September 10, 2013
ROCKFORD, IL—A former Machesney Park, lllinois man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Rockford on charges of bankruptcy fraud. Robert J. Yonkee, JR., 54, now of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition on September 15, 2008. The indictment alleges that Yonkee fraudulently concealed property from the bankruptcy trustee, creditors, and the United States Trustee, including his ownership interest in a business that sold auto parts, automobiles, and motorcycles; the United States Super Truck Racing Series; Bobby Yonkee Racing; and other inventory, merchandise, capital, vehicles, and motorcycles. The indictment further charges that Yonkee made false statements on a bankruptcy schedule and a Statement of Financial Affairs, both of which were filed under penalty of perjury. In addition, Yonkee was charged with making material false statements under oath in a bankruptcy proceeding during a meeting of creditors.
Each charge in this case carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment, and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or gross loss resulting from that offense, whichever is greater. The judge may also impose a sentence of probation of one to five years, and a term of supervised release of up to three years. The actual sentence will be determined by the United States District Court, guided by the Sentencing Guidelines.
The indictment was announced by Gary S. Shapiro, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert J. Shields, Jr., Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Office of Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Members of the public are reminded that a criminal indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt of the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt.
The government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Love.