From Valleynewslive · · 1m 40s
Travis Kelce named as fraud victim
A $25 million fraud case tied to Swiftarc ended with an 11-year sentence and claims of an attempted influence campaign.
In brief
A $25 million fraud case tied to Swiftarc ended with an 11-year sentence and claims of an attempted influence campaign. Sid Jawahar got 11 years for wire fraud after prosecutors said he used investor money for old repayments, luxury spending and efforts to sway sentencing. Originally reported by Valleynewslive.
Kelce named victim
Prosecutors said Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was one victim in a fraud scheme that cost investors more than $25 million.
Little said in court
Kelce was only briefly named during the St. Louis case. Prosecutors declined to discuss his connection, and the Chiefs did not respond to a comment request.
Swiftarc link surfaces
A 2021 Forbes report identified Kelce as an investor in a fund created by Swiftarc, which defendant Sid Jawahar co-founded.
Fraud funded luxury
Jawahar pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud. Prosecutors said he used new investor money to repay older financiers and fund private flights, luxury hotels and costly meals.
“and to fuel an extravagant lifestyle”
Congressman sought leniency
U.S. Rep. Sam Graves asked Judge Zachary Bluestone to give Jawahar four years, far below the eventual sentence. Graves said he wrote personally.
Consultant drew scrutiny
Prosecutors said Jawahar paid Axiom Strategies $10,000 to help generate support letters before sentencing. Graves' campaign had paid Axiom $1.77 million since 2006.
Article aimed at judge
Court filings said Jawahar and consultant Jeff Roe discussed using a favorable article to influence the judge, including targeting it near the judge's home.
“to influence the judge”
Judge chose 11 years
Bluestone rejected the four-year request and sentenced Jawahar to 11 years in prison, followed by three years of supervision. Prosecutors expect deportation after prison.
“ludicrous idea”
The big picture
Sid Jawahar got 11 years for wire fraud after prosecutors said he used investor money for old repayments, luxury spending and efforts to sway sentencing.
