A federal jury has convicted Maureen Wilson, 77, and her husband, James William Wilson Jr., of Owings Mills, Maryland, for their roles in a sophisticated insurance fraud scheme that netted over $20 million in fraudulent life insurance policies. The couple was found guilty of conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, and filing false tax returns, following separate trials.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the Wilsons defrauded life insurance companies by securing more than 40 policies through misrepresentations about applicants’ health, wealth, and existing coverage. They also defrauded individual investors to fund premium payments on the fraudulent policies. The couple concealed their illicit gains by transferring money through multiple bank accounts, including those held in the name of trusts.
Maureen Wilson was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, four counts of mail fraud, two counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, one count of money laundering, and two counts of filing false tax returns. She faces up to 20 years in prison for each fraud and money laundering count and three years for each tax-related count. Her sentencing is scheduled for June 20, 2025.
James Wilson was found guilty of 13 counts of fraud, three counts of money laundering, two counts of filing false tax returns, and one count of aggravated identity theft. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for each fraud and money laundering count, three years for each tax-related count, and an additional two years for aggravated identity theft. His sentencing is set for May 1, 2025.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, Kelly O. Hayes, and Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division announced the verdicts alongside Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Washington, D.C. Field Office.
“This case highlights the devastating impact of insurance fraud on both companies and individuals,” said U.S. Attorney Hayes. “The Wilsons’ elaborate scheme not only defrauded insurers but also exploited investors and undermined public trust.”
The investigation was led by IRS Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Maryland Insurance Administration and the Maryland Office of the Attorney General. Prosecutors praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement in bringing the Wilsons to justice.
