The second scheme proved more lucrative for Champagne. He filed fraudulent tax returns for a fictitious company, Shireberk International, between 2018 and 2021. The scheme resulted in a $3.4 million tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Plea and Sentencing
Champagne pleaded guilty in June to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of filing false claims with the IRS. His co-defendant, Gupta, who is from Port Charlotte, Florida, also pleaded guilty in April and is scheduled for sentencing on September 19.
Champagne had initially been released on bond but was detained in October 2022 after violating the terms of his release. Authorities monitoring his electronic devices discovered suspicious money transfers and that he possessed prohibited items, including ammunition, a gun bag, pepper spray, and handcuffs.
Missouri Bank Fraud Trial : Legal Representation
The U.S. government was represented by Edward Chang of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut. Champagne was represented by Todd Bussert of Frost Bussert LLC, while Gupta is represented by Allison Kahl and Carly Levenson of the Federal Defender’s Office in Connecticut.
