West Des Moines Woman Indicted on 18 Counts

United States Attorney Matthew G. Whitaker announced that a grand jury returned an 18-count indictment on October 21, 2009, against Phyllis Rowe Stevens. The indictment alleges that Phyllis Stevens engaged in scheme to defraud Aviva USA during the period June 17, 2004, through September 23, 2009, fraudulently causing Aviva USA to make payments of approximately $5,997,825.66 to an account controlled by Stevens and her partner at First National City Bank in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The indictment alleges the following, specific violations:

• 12 counts of wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, or both, for each count of conviction;
• one count of money laundering by concealment, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to either $500,000, or both;
• three counts of engaging in monetary transactions using the proceeds of unlawful activity, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to either $250,000 or twice the amount of money involved in the transaction, or both;
• one count of computer fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, or both;
• and one count of aggravated identity theft. which carries of mandatory, consecutive penalty of at least two years imprisonment, and a possible fine of up to $250,000.

Additionally, the Indictment seeks forfeiture of all proceeds involved in or derived from the charged offenses, including two properties located in Des Moines, Iowa, and a bank account at National City Bank.

The Indictment is on file with the Clerk of the United States District Court (Case No. 4:09-CR-176).

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation--Des Moines Resident Agency. In accordance with the Iowa Rules of Professional Conduct, the public is reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation, and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Additionally, because this matter is pending in the United States District Court, the United States Attorney’s Office does not anticipate making any further comment or statement at this time.