Three Oregon men indicted in federal bank fraud and money laundering case
PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Three Oregon men are facing federal charges after a grand jury in Portland returned an indictment alleging conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Cody James VanWinkle, also known as “COUNTUPCODY,” 30, of Gresham, and Kei-Jian Buckley, 32, of Beaverton, made their initial appearances and were arraigned Tuesday. Bruce Edward Jones Jr., also known as “Juice,” 30, of Eugene, had his initial appearance and arraignment September 24.
According to court documents, VanWinkle, Buckley and Jones allegedly stole or obtained stolen checks and altered the payee lines and dollar amounts so the checks could be deposited by them instead of the intended recipients.
Prosecutors allege VanWinkle and Buckley formed an LLC called Pacific Swift Logistics, which they say was a sham business used to assist with the alleged fraud.
Court documents allege the three men, along with others they recruited, deposited or transferred the fraudulent and forged checks into bank accounts controlled by VanWinkle, Buckley or Jones.
Prosecutors say the defendants and their recruits then withdrew, attempted to withdraw or transferred the money before financial institutions could identify the deposits as fraudulent and stop the transactions.
According to the indictment, recruits who received money allegedly provided a portion of the stolen funds to VanWinkle, Buckley and Jones.
VanWinkle and Buckley pleaded not guilty during their arraignments. Jones previously pleaded not guilty.
All three defendants are scheduled to go to trial November 24, 2026.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced the indictment. IRS Criminal Investigations is investigating the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Sax is prosecuting it.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
