Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
The old adage “crime doesn't pay” has just been made clear to former State Attorney Jeffrey Siegmeister, who has pled guilty to three conspiracy and fraud charges.
On Thursday, Sept. 1, Judge Marcia Morales Howard, of the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, in Jacksonville, signed a “Preliminary Order of Forfeiture for Proceeds,” granting a request for the order by prosecutors in Siegmeister's conspiracy and fraud case.
As a result, Siegmeister has been ordered to cough up over a half million dollars as a result of his admitted criminal activity. “Being fully advised of the relevant facts, the Court finds that the defendant [Siegmeister] obtained $518,803.30 as a result of the offenses, of which he has pleaded guilty.” It is further ordered that “because the $518,803.30 was dissipated by the defendant, the United States may seek, as a substitute asset, … forfeiture of any of the defendant's property up to the value of $518,803.30.”
In addition to the financial forfeiture, Siegmeister could still face prison time. His sentencing hearing is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Oct. 12, at the Federal Courthouse, in Jacksonville.