Owners Of Fraudulent Debt Collection Company Convicted Of Conspiring To Defraud Victims Of Millions

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal jury convicted late yesterday Laurence A. Sessum, 46, and Jacqueline Dianne Okomba, 50, both of Charlotte, of conspiring to commit wire fraud in connection with a fraudulent debt collection scheme that defrauded victims throughout the United States of at least $5.7 million, announced Andrew Murray, United States Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Sessum was also convicted of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and obstruction of justice. Okomba was also convicted of obstruction of justice.

John A. Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Charlotte Division, joins the U.S. Attorney’s Office in making today’s announcement.

According to filed court documents, trial evidence and witness testimony, from October 2013 to January 2017, Sessum was the owner and operator of Direct Processing LLC (Direct Processing) a fraudulent debt collection company located in Mecklenburg County. Sessum was also the leader and organizer of the debt scheme. His codefendant, Okomba, was the registered agent and member-owner of Direct Processing, who also worked as a manager in charge of overseeing other company collectors and managed the finances and bank accounts of Direct Processing.

As part of the scheme, Sessum purchased lists of purportedly outstanding accounts, which they used to make fraudulent debt collections. Sessum intentionally sought out lists of old and unenforceable debts. Direct Processing used a dialer service to leave automated messages for victims, directing them to contact the company to resolve the purported debts. To induce victims to call back, the automated messages often contained fraudulent and misleading information, including that there was “possible pending litigation” against the victims, or that there was a “process server” attempting to locate them.

Read more: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdnc/pr/owners-fraudulent-debt-collection-company-convicted-conspiring-defraud-victims-millions