December 18, 2014

Katy Man Faces Federal Charges After Illegally Using Company Credit Card to Purchase Firearms

HOUSTON—Kenneth A. Hoang, a 44-year-old resident of Katy, has been charged with six counts of wire fraud after illegally using his company credit card to purchase numerous firearms, among other things, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

Hoang made his initial appearance today following his arrest yesterday. At that time, he was temporarily ordered into custody pending a detention hearing set for Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge George C. Hanks.

According to the charges, Hoang was employed by TurboCare Inc., a subsidiary of Siemens AG until he was terminated in August 2012. While employed there, TurboCare had issued Hoang an American Express card to use for business purposes, according to the indictment. Following his termination, Hoang allegedly did not return the card and illegally used it to make purchases for personal use.

The indictment alleges that beginning on or about July 10, 2013, Hoang used the credit card make numerous purchases totaling more than $330,000 before Siemens discovered the fraud and cut off the card. Included in the purchases Hoang allegedly made with the card were 17 firearms.

If convicted, Hoang faces a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment and a possible $250,000 fine on each count.

The charges are the result of an investigation by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney John R. Lewis is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.