James T. Hammes is wanted for an alleged fraud scheme he conducted while employed as controller for the Lexington, Kentucky, division of a Cincinnati-based company. As controller, he was responsible for all financial accounting and internal controls for the Lexington division. Between 2004 and 2009, Hammes allegedly deposited approximately $8.7 million of company funds into a bank account in the name of a second company doing business with his employer, but which Hammes had signatory control over.
On February 24, 2009, a federal arrest warrant was issued by the United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio, after Hammes was charged with wire fraud and money laundering.
Hammes is an avid scuba diver and a licensed pilot. He has previously traveled to the Caribbean and Curacao.