Man Arrested for Stealing Over $12 Million in Fraud Scheme, Faces 40-Year Sentence
A Manor, Texas, man is behind bars after orchestrating a massive financial fraud that stole millions from unsuspecting victims. Saint Jovite Youngblood, also known as Kota Youngblood, has been charged in connection with a scheme that targeted 32 individuals and resulted in more than $12 million in stolen funds.
How Youngblood Carried Out His Fraudulent Scheme
According to the United States Attorney’s Office, Youngblood impersonated a member of the U.S. Army’s elite Delta Force special operations unit and falsely claimed that victims were in danger of being attacked by Mexican drug cartels. He offered these individuals protection from these supposed threats, convincing them to pay him for their safety.
Youngblood was finally arrested on July 21, 2023. Aaron Tapp, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office, emphasized the importance of the arrest:
“The FBI is committed to identifying scams such as this – and ensuring anyone who endeavors to financially fleece innocent Americans is held to account. We want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their work on this case – and their continued assistance in gaining justice for victims of financial crimes.”
Legal Consequences and Punishment
The investigation revealed the extent of Youngblood’s crimes, which have led to his sentence of 40 years in federal prison and mandatory restitution of $12,766,384 to his victims. Reports indicate that Youngblood used much of the stolen money to gamble at Las Vegas casinos.
Jaime Esparza, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, commented on the outcome:
“The 40-year sentence that Youngblood will now serve in federal prison, along with the full restitution paid back to the victims, demonstrates the gravity of these crimes, and it is my hope that the individuals and families impacted by his schemes are able to repair any loss they have suffered. Thanks to our partners at the FBI for their investigative efforts that assisted greatly with this successful outcome of justice.”
The arrest and sentence highlight the coordinated effort between the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to combat financial crimes and ensure justice for victims. Additional information will be provided as the case continues to develop.
