Detective James Blackwell took a few, seemingly unconnected theft by check cases and turned them into a successful prosecution of a far-reaching organized check kiting and fraud operation. The fraud involved eight co-defendants who took almost half a million dollars from over 60 victims in four Texas counties. The lead defendant accepted a 16-year sentence in a plea bargain.
"Detective Blackwell was able to take a handful of misdemeanor hot checks from two individuals, and through untold hours and months of investigation, was able to uncover and shatter an organized criminal enterprise that had remained under the radar for three years," said Asst. District Attorney Jason Horn.
"I am honored and grateful to the association not only for this award, but also for the training and support they provide. Also, this case would not have been possible without the support and patience of the Montgomery County Sheriff's and District Attorney's Offices," Det. Blackwell said.
The Houston Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners issues the award annually to the investigator, public or private, whose investigation exemplifies determination, perseverance and commitment in the fight against fraud.
