Frank Anteri, 44, of Anthem and Peoria, Arizona, and the president of defunct WC Contractors, Inc., have been indicted on 34 counts of bank fraud, mail fraud and the making and possession of counterfeit securities.

The indictment alleges that Anteri attempted to negotiate over $5,000,000 in counterfeit official bank checks and counterfeit company checks. Anteri used the counterfeit checks in attempts to purchase real estate (in Anthem, Arizona - caused the victim to advance him $500,000) and in the payment of his business and personal expenses. Anteri also deposited counterfeit checks into bank accounts he controlled and wrote checks against the bogus deposits he made.

Anteri will receive a summons for a date for his initial appearance on the charges. A conviction for bank fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine or both. A conviction for mail fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years, a $250,000 fine or both. A conviction for making or possessing counterfeit securities carries a maximum penalty of 10 years, a $250,000 fine or both. In determining an actual sentence, the judge will consult the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing ranges. The judge, however, is not bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence.

An indictment is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service. The prosecution is being handled by Peter Sexton, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.