Fraud – Indianapolis Business Journal

Home » Fraud

US tells states to deal with unemployment fraud or face penalties

June 17, 2026

The Labor Department said Wednesday that poor oversight, outdated technology, weak identity verification and lax controls have “allowed unprecedented fraud to flourish.”

0Comments

Indiana man agrees to plead guilty to wire fraud in connection with wire-selling scheme

June 16, 2026

Susan Orr

A Seymour man who is accused of embezzling more than $202,000 from his employer has agreed to plead guilty to one count of felony wire fraud.

0Comments

Federal customs agents seize 1,578 fake World Cup items in Indianapolis

June 15, 2026 | Cameron Shaw, The Indiana Lawyer

As soccer fans from around the world visit the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Indy have already been on the prowl for sales of fake merchandise.

High court upholds broad reading of SEC authority to recoup ill-gotten gains in fraud cases

June 4, 2026 | Associated Press

The justices ruled against a man who was sentenced to 21 months in prison after pleading guilty to selling unregistered securities as part of a scheme involving high-risk penny stocks.

In Medicaid fraud crackdown, feds now looking to audit all 50 states

April 24, 2026 | Shalina Chatlani, Indiana Capital Chronicle

The Trump administration has pledged to root out what it calls rampant fraud in state Medicaid programs. But thus far, it has focused almost exclusively on Democratic-led states.

Former Hamilton County nonprofit bookkeeper to see prison time for stealing $79K

April 15, 2026 | Cameron Shaw, The Indiana Lawyer

Investigators say Brenda Walters, 57, used clients’ funds to pay her own expenses, including her electric and insurance bills, buying clothes, hosting parties and vacationing.

Gov. Mike Braun signs executive order creating fraud prevention council

February 3, 2026 | Marek Mazurek

The new Indiana Council on Fraud Detection and Prevention is expected to focus on federally funded programs administered by state agencies like Medicaid, SNAP and WIC.

Guilty plea made in Ponzi scheme that bilked investors of $380M

January 21, 2026 | Associated Press and IBJ Staff

Drive Planning operated an office in Fishers that was overseen by former managing partner Gerardo Linarducci, who is facing civil fraud charges from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and multiple lawsuits from investors.

Indianapolis man faces fraud charges from SEC in alleged $300M Drive Planning Ponzi scheme

December 31, 2025 |

Susan Orr

Gerry Linarducci, former managing director of Drive Planning LLC, faces charges related to an alleged scheme to defraud real estate investors in Indiana and nationwide.

Former nonprofit exec gets 33 months in prison, ordered to repay more than $2M

December 22, 2025 | Daniel Carson, The Indiana Lawyer

Authorities said the woman diverted company funds to pay personal expenses, such as credit card bills, golf equipment, wine and luxury travel, including an 11-day stay at the Four Seasons in Hawaii.

Carmel man faces 2 federal charges in complex fraud case

December 12, 2025 |

Susan Orr

Jordan Chirico is facing both criminal charges and civil litigation over his alleged connections to what authorities describe as a $200-million-plus Ponzi scheme.

Indianapolis gas station owners accuse partner of embezzling at least $1M

November 13, 2025 | Maura Johnson, Indiana Lawyer

Two owners of a gas station and convenience store in downtown Indianapolis have filed a lawsuit against another partner.

Owner of Indianapolis treatment center charged in $2.7M Medicaid fraud case

October 28, 2025 | Maura Johnson, Indiana Lawyer

Kevin Calvert, 57, was charged with 43 counts of Medicaid fraud and an additional count of theft following an investigation by the attorney general’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

Former IU basketball player arrested on charges of fraud, theft in Hamilton County

October 10, 2025 | IBJ Staff

The former Indiana University guard was arrested this week by the Carmel Police Department on one count each of theft and fraud of amounts between $750 and $50,000.

Former credit union manager indicted on fraud charges

August 6, 2025 |

Susan Orr

The former manager of a credit union branch in Indianapolis has been charged after investigators say she stole more than $350,000 from customer accounts.

Indianapolis CPA sentenced to federal prison for defrauding IRS of at least $2.5M

July 22, 2025 | IBJ Staff

Jason L. Crace entered a guilty plea for assisting in the preparation of false tax returns on behalf of clients who participated in an illegal tax shelter.

Carmel-based hedge fund sues international crypto company for alleged fraud

June 23, 2025 | Maura Johnson, Indiana Lawyer

The lawsuit claims the crypto venture company lied about how much money it had raised in order to persuade the fund to also invest.

Investors who lost millions to pickleball entrepreneur will be able to pursue repayment

June 11, 2025 | Indiana Lawyer Staff

Federal officials said Rodney Grubbs had solicited millions of dollars in investments from pickleball players and enthusiasts across the country, offering promissory notes with “guaranteed” interest rates of 10% or higher.

Criminal, civil charges dismissed against Noblesville Bitcoin exchange operator

May 1, 2025 | Maura Johnson, Indiana Lawyer

The operator of AurumXchange, a virtual currency exchange, had been charged with five counts of money laundering and two counts of willfully failing to file a tax return.

State sues Marion County Fair Board leader for allegedly misusing public funds

April 18, 2025 | Taylor Wooten

The lawsuit alleges Cindy Mowery, the board president, used Marion County Fair Board money to pay painters for work done at her home.

Former CEO of Tindley charter schools admits to defrauding network of nearly $1M

February 27, 2025 | Amelia Pak-Harvey, Chalkbeat Indiana

Brian Metcalf, who led the charter network from July 2019 through December 2022, pleaded guilty to two of the nine counts of wire fraud outlined in an indictment filed in 2023.

Virtual school officials used money for students on political donations instead, prosecutors say

February 12, 2025 | Amelia Pak-Harvey, Chalkbeat Indiana

Leaders of the Indiana Virtual School and Indiana Virtual Pathways Academy face both federal and state cases in which they’re accused of defrauding the state of millions of dollars.

JUNE 26-JULY 2, 2026

Digital Edition

Statewide effort aims to hasten businesses’ use of AI

Susan Orr

Elanco working to manage parasitic fly’s arrival in U.S.

Daniel Bradley

Q&A: Fusek’s Hardware CEO Steve Fusek previews the store’s downtown move

Previous Issues See Full Issue

Events

IBJ will honor Indiana nonprofits, foundations, organization leaders, businesses who work with nonprofits and philanthropists at the inaugural Nonprofit Excellence Awards presented by KSM CPA & Advisors.

RSVP HERE!

More events

Nominations

IBJ will spotlight some of our city’s most successful business women from both the public and private sectors while revealing the triumphs and challenges that have shaped their careers.

NOMINATE HERE!