Lewis Freeman, a noted Miami fraud investigator, known for rendering his expert opinion on fraud and white collar crime cases (i.e., mail fraud, wire fraud, racketeering (RICO) has retained two-high powered Miami criminal lawyers to defend his case currently being investigated by federal authorities. Freeman's offices located in Miami and Plantation were raided by the FBI pursuant to federal subpoenas. The FBI is trying to track and locate 3.6 million dollars in fraudulently obtained funds. Freeman has not been formally charged with a crime at this point in the investigation.
Freeman and his Miami firm have been hired in the past by state and federal judges to act as fraud experts in Miami courts. Freeman is often interviewed by the media for his expertise on Miami fraud cases and white collar crimes. Freeman also acts as a curt appointed trustee and is asked to oversee accounts of bankrupt companies to ensure that the assets are distributed in accordance with court orders and the law.
Freeman's Miami criminal attorneys assert that the investigation stems from the federal lawsuit filed by Freeman against the IRS for a $4.8 million dollar assessment levied against him by the federal agency. The IRS levied the fine against Freeman for setting up a tax shelter involving tax exemptions for employees travel and parking costs.
FBI sources are quoted as saying that the FBI does not do favors for the IRS and that the investigation is unrelated to federal suit filed by Freeman. Officials also commented that whenever subpoenas are served on law offices, approval must come from the highest levels within the Department of Justice. It should be noted that Freeman's offices are not law offices, but are used by investigators and forensic accountants. However, four non-practicing attorneys work in the offices.
Only time will tell if Freeman is indicted in federal court or charged in state court. The FBI seized thousands of documents from the storage rooms at the offices that were raided. Once federal investigators and prosecutors review the documents seized, they will decide whether Freeman and his firm were engaged in any fraud or wrongdoing that merit a filing of criminal charges.
Questions Raised Over FBI Search Warrant on Prominent Miami Attorney, Amlawdaily.com, October 13, 2009.
