Savannah Standard

A manager from a Chatham County company has been indicted for allegedly defrauding his employer through fake invoices. John Laakso, also known as "John Larson" and "John Trebesch," aged 56, from Sarasota, Florida, faces four counts of wire fraud according to Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. If convicted, Laakso could face up to 20 years in prison per charge, along with fines and restitution.

"This indictment alleges a scheme in which an employee betrayed the trust of an employer for self-enrichment at the employer’s expense," stated U.S. Attorney Steinberg. She acknowledged law enforcement's efforts in uncovering the alleged fraudulent activities.

The indictment details that Laakso was employed as a contractor and later as an engineering manager at GAF Materials Corporation. His responsibilities included procuring equipment and services for their Savannah facility.

Between 2021 and 2023, it is alleged that Laakso used fictitious identities to create pass-through companies, concealing these actions from GAF. He purportedly awarded contracts to these sham companies which subcontracted with legitimate vendors at lower costs. The price difference was allegedly kept by Laakso "for his own use and enjoyment."

GAF reportedly paid over $1.3 million due to these fraudulent invoices, with Laakso pocketing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

It is important to note that criminal indictments are only charges; defendants remain innocent until proven guilty.

The FBI is investigating this case, while Assistant U.S. Attorneys Darron J. Hubbard and Bradford C. Patrick are prosecuting on behalf of the United States.