Meade Lewis, 32, the founder and CEO of mIQroTech, Inc., a technology company in the oil and gas industry, has been indicted on five counts of wire fraud for allegedly defrauding investors of more than $7 million. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
According to the indictment, Lewis, a Temple Terrace resident, is accused of making false and misleading statements regarding mIQroTech, Inc.’s financials, customers, and product to secure investments. He also allegedly diverted some of the investor funds for his personal enrichment.
If convicted, Lewis faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each count. The United States also intends to seek forfeiture of at least $7,096,458, representing the alleged proceeds from the offenses.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, which will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts. Assistant United States Attorney Blain Goff is handling the forfeiture. An indictment is merely a formal charge, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.