LOS ANGELES — A former FBI special agent is accused of pocketing more than $100,000 while executing search warrants during drug investigations in California, federal prosecutors said Thursday.
Scott M. Bowen, 44, faces charges including conversion of federal property, obstruction of justice, money laundering, falsifying documents, and witness tampering, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.
Bowen allegedly stole drug proceeds found after search warrants were served on three occasions last June and August.
He is accused of using the money to buy two new cars - a Dodge Challenger and a Scion FR-S - and outfit the vehicles with new equipment including speakers, rims and tires. He also spent $15,000 on cosmetic surgery for his wife and thousands more on a lavish Las Vegas vacation, according to the indictment.
A number for Bowen, a resident of Moreno Valley, could not immediately be found.
To cover his tracks, Bowman falsified official FBI reports and other records, prosecutors said. After one seizure, Bowman allegedly endorsed an evidence receipt knowing that it did not accurately reflect the amount of cash seized and altered the same receipt by forging the signature of a police detective next to his own, according to the indictment.
Bowman then allegedly sent an email to the detective whose signature he forged, providing a detailed cover story that the detective should offer if questioned by superiors. Bowman also provided the detective with a copy of the forged receipt so that the detective falsely could claim the forged signature as his own, if asked, according to the indictment.
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