SACRAMENTO, California — A jury has convicted 58-year-old William A. Sassman, formerly of Sacramento, of engaging in monetary transactions with criminally derived property, according to U.S. Attorney Eric Grant.
In September 2019, the Tukwila School District in Washington mistakenly transferred over $6.5 million into Sassman’s bank account, believing it was the account of a legitimate construction contractor. Sassman used part of these funds to purchase luxury items, including a Patek Philippe watch for $195,000 and a Richard Mille watch for $318,324, according to evidence presented at trial.
After the school district discovered the error and reported it, Sassman’s bank froze his account and informed him of the fraudulent nature of the funds. Despite this, Sassman resold the watches and deposited the proceeds into another bank account in Sacramento, stated the U.S. Attorney’s Office…