United States Attorney A. Brian Albritton

Middle District of Florida

Tampa Orlando Ocala Jacksonville Fort Myers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: STEVE COLE

PHONE: (813) 274-6136

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/flm/pr FAX: (813) 274-6300

January 27, 2009

CON ARTIST SENTENCED TO MORE THAN 15 YEARS

Orlando, FL - United States Attorney A. Brian Albritton today announced that Jonathan David Ghertler, age 46, was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 15 years and five months for wire fraud. Ghertler pleaded guilty to eight counts of wire fraud on July 28, 2008.

Ghertler is a self-described con artist who defrauded 14 different companies, including large Fortune 500 corporations, of $956,500. Ghertler committed his frauds by impersonating high-ranking corporate officers, claiming an urgent need for cash (typically to resolve a legal matter), and then persuading corporate officers to disburse funds ranging from $40,000 to $150,000. The victim corporations disbursed the money by wiring the money to bank accounts, or, in most cases, distributing cash to the defendant himself, or to couriers hired by the defendant.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katherine Ho.