Additionally, Kane filed fraudulent claims in bankruptcy proceedings to further delay the family’s efforts to reclaim the home. By filing for bankruptcy on Ruggiero’s behalf in 2019, Kane was able to stall the family’s lawsuit and claimed equity in the home for Barger in case Ruggiero lost the property.
Sentencing and Consequences
Kane faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine. Johnson faces up to 10 years in prison and a $500,000 fine. Barger, who pleaded guilty in June 2024, is scheduled for sentencing in February 2025.
The FBI, which led the investigation, emphasized that the case underscores its commitment to rooting out white-collar crime that erodes public trust in financial systems.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has vowed to continue holding those accountable for engaging in such schemes. As U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Romero stated, the defendants’ actions were motivated by greed, cheating the family and defrauding the public.
