Johnstown man pleaded guilty in federal court after international fraud scams

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — A Johnstown man pleaded guilty in federal court to a conspiracy to commit money laundering charge.

John Trabert Jr., 54, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Stephanie Haines on Sept. 12, according to United States Attorney Eric Olshan. From Jan. 2020 through March 2022, Trabert knowingly and unlawfully conspired with other individuals to commit money laundering.

Trabert was the “money mule,” which is a person who, in someone else’s direction, receives and moves money obtained from victims of fraud. The fraud came from a variety of outlets, including romance, real estate and gold scams.

The scheme consisted of a co-conspirator outside the U.S. directing victims, who believed they were investing in real estate, gold or financially supporting a fictional love interest. The victim was instructed to send funds to one of Trabert’s bank accounts, where he would then conduct financial transactions and retain a portion for personal profit.

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Trabert’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 14, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of
the government. The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Trabert.

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