Woodkirk Stone
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Brian Brainard Wedgeworth (a / k / a “Dr. Brian Anderson”, a / k / a “Dr Anthony Watkins”, a / k / a “Dr Brian Adams”, a / k / a “Dr Edward Chen”, a / k / a “Dr Brian Chris”, a / k / a “Dr Chris Williamson”, a / k / a “Dr Brian Christopher Williamson”, a / k / a “Dr Brian Edmonds, aka” Dr Brian Ammerson ” , aka “Dr Brian Lamar Wilson”, aka “Dr Brian Wilson”, aka “Dr Brian Mims,” ​​a / k / a “Dr. Brian Lamar Sims”), 46, formerly of Tallahassee, Fla., and Center Point , Alabama, was arrested in Tennessee for wire fraud, mail fraud, aggravated identity theft and money laundering. Jason R. Coody, interim United States attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the indictment following Wedgeworth’s initial appearance in federal court in Nashville, Tennessee.
The indictment alleges that between October 2016 and March 2021, Wedgeworth devised a scheme to defraud money and property through false and fraudulent pretexts, representations and promises and, for the purpose of to execute this ploy, falsely represented that he was a doctor. in online dating forums to meet women for the purpose of defrauding them. The indictment further alleges that Wedgeworth made promises to the women to get them to send him money and buy him jewelry and watches. Wedgeworth is said to have fraudulently obtained more than $ 750,000 in funds and property as a result of his scheme.
Wedgeworth was remanded in custody until a detention hearing and arraignment was held at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud and mail fraud, up to 10 years in prison for counts of money laundering and a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years in prison, consecutive to any other imprisonment which could be imposed, for the count of aggravated identity theft.
This case is the result of a joint investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), and work is underway to ensure that all victims potential are identified. If you believe you have been in contact with Brian Brainard Wedgeworth, or through any of his aliases, and wish to speak to an investigator, please contact USPIS by email at [email protected]. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin M. Keen is pursuing the case.
An indictment is simply an allegation by a grand jury that an accused has committed a violation of federal criminal law and does not constitute evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and have the right to a fair trial, during which it will be up to the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that are the principal litigators in the country under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information on the United States Attorney’s Office for the North Florida District, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.