A couple who once owned several businesses in West Michigan has been sentenced for defrauding nearly 40 customers out of more than $3 million.
Bridget Bureau and Gregory Hite, both 39, ran several businesses, including Great Lakes Trailer Manufacturing, Hites RV, GLR Transport, Alpine Trailer Sales, and others, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan (DOJ).
Between 2016 and 2020, they allegedly stole identities in order to illegally obtain loans totaling more than $5.4 million. They allegedly impersonated victims while on the phone with other victims and used multiple LLCs to conceal their illegal activity.
According to the DOJ, the scheme came to an end when the couple ran out of money and lenders sought restitution for victims whose identities were stolen.
“Protecting victims from financial crimes is an important part of keeping our communities safe,” states US Attorney Mark Totten. “Hite and Bureau cheated unsuspecting victims out of millions of dollars for personal gain.
Criminals do not always wear masks and carry guns; they may carry out their crimes with a pen and paper and a dash of charm. “We are determined to hold fraudsters accountable, no matter who they are.”
Bridget was sentenced to slightly more than four years in prison, according to federal attorneys. Gregory was sentenced to 12.5 years. Both will be required to repay nearly $2 million to the victims they stole from.
