Former New Orleans Resident Kaleb Deakle Charged with Defrauding Car Dealership

Kaleb Deakle, age 24, a resident of Atlanta, Georgia, was charged in a bill of information today with wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Dana Boente.

According to court documents, Deakle, who previously resided in New Orleans, gained access to the bank account of the management company where he had leased a condominium. Deakle used his computer to negotiate the online sale of a 2012 Land Rover Sport. After a series of e-mails with the salesman, Deakle arrived at Land Rover of New Orleans on January 12, 2012, with a check purportedly from the management company. The check was counterfeit and written out for the total purchase price of $72,148.50. Deakle led the dealership to believe that he was employed by Apple Inc. and that the check was legitimate, and he took possession of the vehicle.

If convicted, Deakle faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

U.S. Attorney Boente reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case was investigated by the special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri.