Suspect Accused Of Involvement In Multimillion Fraud Scheme: Westport PD

WESTPORT, CT — A 49-year-old Philadelphia, Pennsylvania man was arrested on a warrant by Westport police this week in connection with an alleged multimillion-dollar fraud scheme, according to authorities.

Jean R. Jean-Louis turned himself in at Westport Police Headquarters on Monday and was charged with:

• Conspiracy to Commit Larceny, First Degree
• Conspiracy to Commit Identity Theft, Third Degree

The case began in November 2023, when Westport police received a report that an IRS-issued estate tax refund check worth $13 million had been stolen.

"A female party representing herself as being affiliated with the victim’s estate had opened an account in person at a Massachusetts bank branch and had subsequently deposited the stolen check," wrote Westport Police Lt. Anthony Prezioso in a statement. "Several checks were then written from this fraudulent account to multiple recipients."

Jean-Louis was identified by police as one of the recipients of one of the fraudulent checks in the amount of $4 million, according to Prezioso. Police were able to determine Jean-Louis was a suspect following "an extensive investigation, including the drafting and execution of multiple search warrants for various records."

"The check had been deposited into his business account," Prezioso said. "He claimed that this was an expected payment from a customer, but not the expected amount; an amount that he reported should have instead been $400,000.00. Based on his alleged involvement in the fraud/theft, an arrest warrant was sought and granted for him relative to this investigation."

The investigation remains active, and Westport police anticipate making additional arrests.

Jean-Louis was released after posting a $50,000 non-surety bond, and he is scheduled to be arraigned in Stamford Superior Court on Jan. 16.