Investigations

On November 28, 2016, in U.S. District Court, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Scott Lewis was ordered to forfeit $259,171 to the United States. The forfeiture order was related to money seized during his arrest for operating an unregistered aircraft. The court agreed to return $25,000 to Lewis and ordered him to forfeit a total of $234,217.

 

In January 2016, Lewis was indicted on charges of conspiracy, operating an unregistered aircraft, and aiding and abetting. In April 2016, he pleaded guilty to operating an unregistered aircraft. In June 2016, he was sentenced to 36 months of probation and a $1,000 fine, and ordered to forfeit an aircraft valued at $130,000.

 

In February 2014, Lewis and an accomplice flew an unregistered aircraft, specifically a Cessna 206, to Yellowstone Airport in Cody, Wyoming. When he arrived at Yellowstone Airport, Lewis provided an alias to airport personnel. After an investigation, Lewis was found with three purported Idaho driver’s licenses, all in different names, and $259,171 in cash.

 

DOT-OIG conducted this investigation with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations.