By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon
SDNY COURTHOUSE, Sept 26 – Robert Jeffrey Johnson and Kathleen Hook were charged with wire fraud conspiracy in connection with a precious metals leasing program known as the "Silver Lease Company." They are represented by the same law firm.
On February 24, 2022 U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Edgardo Ramos held a Curcio hearing. Inner City Press covered it.
Johnson but not Hook wa charged with defrauding insurance companies
. The US Attorney's Office submitted a list of proposed questions for each defendant.
In mid October, the trial was pushed back again: "Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Edgardo Ramos:Pretrial Conference as to Robert Jeffrey Johnson, Kathleen Hook held on 10/12/2023. The jury trial is adjourned to March 4, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. The final pretrial conference is adjourned to February 29, 2024 at 2:30 p.m"
On February 21, both pled guilty: "Change of Plea Hearing as to Robert Jeffrey Johnson, Kathleen Hook held on 2/21/2024. Defendant Robert Jeffrey Johnson present w/ counsel Alyssa Silvaggi, Esq., on behalf of Howard Srebnick, Esq. Defendant Kathleen Hook present with counsel Alyssa Silvaggi, Esq. AUSAs Margaret Lynaugh and Alex Rossmiller present. Defendant Kathleen Hook waives indictment and was arraigned on the S1 Information. Ms. Hook entered a plea of not guilty. Ms. Hook withdrew previously entered not guilty plea and enters guilty plea to one count (S1) Information. Mr. Johnson withdrew his previously entered not guilty plea and enters guilty plea to count 3 of the Indictment. PSI Ordered. Counsel may be present at the interview. Sentencing" was delayed.
On August 30, counsel to Johnson wrote in asking for 30 months at the sentencing scheduled for September 12 at 2:30 pm.
On September 6 the US Attorney's Office wrote in calling 30 months "grossly inadequate" and asking for 121 months.
On September 12, Johnson was sentenced to 72 months - six years. On September 18, Kathleen Hook was sentenced to three months of home confinement.
On September 26, counsel to co-defendant Ross Baldwin wrote in citing Section 5K1.1 of the Sentencing Guidelines, arguing that "Johnson sold millions as Mr. Baldwin watched from the sidelines." Sentencing is set for October 11.
The case is US v. Johnson, et al., 21-cr-428 (Ramos)
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