Summary

On March 18, 2016, Elliot Campbell and his wife Melinda Campbell were convicted after a jury trial in U.S. District Court, London, KY, and found guilty on charges related to their control and participation in a complex motor carrier fraud scheme. Elliot and Melinda Campbell were the owners of several trucking companies operating out of Catts Auto Sales in Chavies, KY.

The jury found Elliot Campbell guilty of six counts of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act extortion. The jury found Melinda Campbell guilty of five counts of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act extortion. 

DOT-OIG’s investigation revealed that between October 8, 2010 and February 7, 2012, the Campbells conspired to defraud shipping brokers by agreeing to transport cargo loads for a certain price. They would then hold the cargo and demand payment before delivery, essentially holding the cargo hostage. When the shipping brokers filed complaints, the Campbells organized new trucking companies, used false names/aliases, and continued their scheme. They also did not reveal to FMCSA that they were associated with other FMCSA regulated companies when opening their new trucking companies, which is a requirement when applying for new FMCSA operating authority.

In June 2015, Bryan Napier, a dispatcher for the Campbells’ trucking companies, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

We conducted this investigation with the FBI with assistance from FMCSA.