Former St. Peters Mayor Pleads Guilty to Federal Fraud Charges

St. Louis, MO – Shawn Brown pled guilty to one charge of mail fraud. Brown appeared today before United States District Judge Ronnie L. White. Sentencing is set for June 29, 2017.

According to court documents, at some time in 2008, Shawn Brown (“Brown”) contacted M.S. to discuss purchasing Midwest Environmental, a company that focused on mold and asbestos removal, air duct cleaning and other property clean up. Brown and M.S. agreed that Brown would run the day to day operation of the company. Brown’s responsibility included making bids, accepting and depositing payments and paying various operating expenses.

From 2008 until April 2014, Brown spoke with M.S. monthly and informed him generally of the company’s financial well-being. In April 2014, Brown began suffering from a health issue and was unable to work for a period of time. In Brown’s absence, M.S. reviewed NUTECH’s financials. Upon review, M.S. discovered numerous charges on the company’s bank account statements for purchases made by Brown for his personal use and benefit from April 2011 through May 2014.

It was determined that Brown stole $65,054 of NUTECH’s money for his own personal use and benefit.

Mail fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Dianna Collins is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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