ELK COUNTY – A St. Marys man is awaiting extradition back to Elk County after being indicted by a federal grand jury. Earlier this summer, St. Marys police issued an arrest warrant for Richard Danz.
Police said Danz used his financial business to defraud Elk County families out of thousands of dollars. On Oct. 9, charges were filed through the Western District of Pennsylvania U.S. District Court.
According to the indictment, Danz worked on a volunteer basis for the Elk County Humane Society as the treasurer and financial advisor from September of 2008 until his resignation in June.
Officials said with access to the organizations financial assets, Danz stole approximately $422,017.81 from the humane society.
Authorities said while volunteering for the humane society, Danz owned and operated Brock Tax and Financial Services in St. Marys. Officials said he was also a representative for HD Vest Financial Services, an investment company located in Irving, TX.
According to the indictment, Danz “did knowingly and intentionally devise and intend to devise a scheme and artifice to defraud and for obtaining money and property.” Officials said Danz wired money to his personal accounts.
According to the indictment, Danz used funds from the humane society and paid $37,648.50 to purchase a Mercedes Benz from a dealership in State College.
Authorities said Danz also used the money to remodel his kitchen and add a new enclosed deck at his home.
According to court documents, a federal grand jury returned an 11-count indictment against Danz. He faces 10 counts of wire fraud and one count of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity.
Danz could face up to 30 years of imprisonment and up to $500,000 in fines. He remains in prison in North Carolina.
