A new 36-count indictment has been filed against the husband-and-wife chauffeurs who are accused of stealing $34 million from Win McCormack, a wealthy Oregon-based publisher and political activist.
Sergey V. Lebedenko, 53, and his wife, Galina A. Lebedenko, 48, have been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and 34 counts of wire fraud in the recently filed indictment.
According to the indictment, the unauthorized charge on McCormack’s American Express credit card occurred between August 5, 2022, and November 26, 2023. However, the conspiracy itself began in January 2017 and lasted for a period of seven years. The charges of wire fraud are a result of this unauthorized charge made by the accused individuals.
The Lebedenkos, who are still not in custody, entered a plea of not guilty to the additional charges in federal court on Thursday. U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Armistead tentatively scheduled their trial for April 9.
Sergey Lebedenko, through their Portland limousine service, offered daily transportation to McCormack. Additionally, McCormack hired the couple for various tasks such as house sitting, grocery shopping, and running personal errands, as stated in the indictment.
According to court records, the couple utilized the funds to acquire extravagant vacation homes in Oregon and California, along with an executive jet worth $1.5 million stationed at the Aurora airport.
According to the indictment, the Lebedenkos allegedly made multiple charges on certain days. For instance, on August 5, 2022, they made six charges to McCormack’s American Express card. These charges amounted to $16,200, with individual amounts of $2,900, $2,800, $1,100, $3,100, $3,500, and $2,800.
According to the indictment, McCormack usually didn’t review his credit card statements from American Express because his bank automatically paid the account.
Last month, the Lebedenkos were arrested on charges of wire fraud and money laundering.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Bounds has described this case as the biggest alleged theft against an individual in the history of Oregon’s federal court system.
The indictment states that counts 2 through 35 pertain to individual instances of wire fraud. Prosecutors allege that these charges were made without authorization on Win McCormack’s American Express Card.
The indictment states that counts 2 through 35 pertain to individual wire fraud allegations connected to unauthorized charges made to Win McCormack’s American Express Card.
The indictment outlines that counts 2 through 35 pertain to individual instances of wire fraud. Prosecutors claim that these charges are connected to unauthorized transactions made on Win McCormack’s American Express Card.
McCormack, a 79-year-old publisher of The New Republic magazine and owner of Oregon’s Tin House book publishing company, expressed his deep sadness over the situation. He emphasized his longstanding relationship and friendship with the couple, stating that the news has truly saddened him.
The individual expressed his dismay at the accusations, describing them as a deeply personal violation and a severe betrayal of trust.
According to the FBI, McCormack began hiring the couple’s chauffeur service, which was initially known as Astra Limousine and Town Car Service, around 2006 or 2007. Over time, McCormack developed a close relationship with the Lebedenkos. Eventually, the business changed its name to Astra Car Service.
According to the indictment, Sergey Lebedenko, despite claiming to have a parent-like love for McCormack, conspired to steal millions of dollars from him.
Last month, Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan W. Bounds attempted to persuade a judge to keep the duo in custody until their trial. However, their defense lawyers presented arguments highlighting the Lebedenkos’ deep connections with the Portland community, their involvement in a local church, and their family ties in Oregon. Despite the efforts, the judge ruled against holding them in custody.
U.S. District Judge Marco A. Hernandez, in his ruling, has instructed the couple to wear GPS monitors and maintain a distance of one mile from both Portland International Airport and Aurora Airport.
U.S. District Judge Michael W. Mosman has been assigned to the case, according to the court docket. During a court session on Thursday, lawyer Bounds informed the Lebedenkos’ legal team that Hernandez had sent an email indicating his intention to keep the case.
In court, defense lawyer Ronald H. Hoevet, who is representing Sergey Lebedenko, expressed his appreciation for all the judges in the district. However, he raised a concern regarding the U.S. Attorney’s Office having the authority to “pick the judge.” Chief Judge Michael W. Mosman assured Hoevet that he would share Judge Hernandez’s email with him.
Maxine Bernstein, who specializes in federal court and criminal justice, can be reached at 503-221-8212 or via email at [email protected].
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