A federal jury convicted Jason Butler, 37, of Jupiter, Florida, on 34 felony counts related to a multi-million-dollar fraud involving the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies. Butler was found guilty of wire fraud, money laundering, and forgery for submitting falsified invoices and financial documents that resulted in more than $4.5 million in losses to the U.S. government, according to a Office of Public Affairs release.
Prosecutors said Butler exploited the government’s SEA Card Program, which allows U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessels to purchase fuel worldwide. Evidence presented at trial showed that between August 2022 and January 2024, Butler submitted fraudulent documents to U.S. warships, including the USS Patriot, while the vessels were refueling in ports such as Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Croatia. Authorities said Butler used a false identity and claimed employment with a fictitious fuel division to carry out the scheme.
The trial was held in West Palm Beach. Federal officials stated that Butler used the proceeds from the fraud to purchase properties in Florida and Colorado. He was taken into custody immediately following the jury’s verdict…