U.S.: Lawyer charged in bankruptcy fraud

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CHICAGO, Sept. 21 (UPI) -- A Vernon Hills, Ill., lawyer has been charged with using clients' credit cards to incur debts that were discharged in their bankruptcies, U.S. prosecutors said.

Bradley F. Aubel, 47, was charged with one count each of mail fraud, wire fraud and obstruction of justice in a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court, and unsealed after he was arrested Thursday, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a release Friday.

Aubel is accused of obstructing an investigation by bribing a witness and of engaging in separate alleged fraud schemes involving an auto loan and student loans, the statement said.

Prosecutors said a 10-year employee of Aubel's cooperated with the FBI beginning in mid-2011, engaging in text messaging with him that resulted in information used to charge him, and telling investigators Aubel routinely asked the employee to "perform illegal activities on Aubel's behalf."

Aubel was been released on $10,000 bond following an appearance in U.S. District Court. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Oct. 16.

Mail and wire fraud each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and restitution is mandatory, the news release said. Obstruction of justice carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.