A Florida man’s attempt to hide assets from the government has backfired spectacularly, landing him in even more legal hot water. Christopher Switlyk, 46, of Orlando, was found guilty by a federal jury of two counts of removal of property to prevent seizure.
This latest legal trouble stems from a 2013 forfeiture money judgment of over $10.7 million against Switlyk, resulting from a previous felony conviction. Although the government seized over $6 million at the time, Switlyk still owed more than $4 million.
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Fast forward to 2022, the U.S. Marshals Service discovered that Switlyk had acquired significant assets, including bank accounts, vehicles, and properties in Daytona Beach and Tampa. A court order allowed the government to seize these assets to partially satisfy the outstanding debt.
However, when Switlyk learned of the frozen accounts, he quickly transferred a Tesla vehicle and a Tampa property to his father in an attempt to shield them from seizure. This maneuver was deemed a deliberate attempt to obstruct the government’s lawful authority.
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Switlyk now faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison for each count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 6, 2025. The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts.
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