Federal Wire Fraud Sentencing: What Will You Tell the Judge?

“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.”

Sir Edmund Hillary

Federal prosecutors wanted Clovis Placido to serve 57 months in prison. He was 33 years old, had no prior criminal record, and had pleaded guilty to participating in a DoorDash wire fraud scheme.

Clovis was worried about speaking to Judge Mark L. Wolf. English was his second language. He had learned it with a dictionary after moving to America from Brazil, and now he needed to explain his criminal decisions in a federal courtroom.

His attorneys were preparing the legal arguments. Clovis had work of his own to do before sentencing.

He contacted White Collar Advice for help writing his personal narrative, preparing his allocution, and gathering character reference letters. His experience offers a look at the work you can undertake while your attorney prepares your defense.

How Clovis Went From Building Businesses to Facing Federal Prison

Clovis grew up in Mato Grosso, Brazil, and moved to the United States in 2016. He began driving for Uber, learned English, and eventually operated a flooring business in New York and a cleaning company in Florida.

He married Lauren. They hoped to buy a farm in New Hampshire.

When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, demand for Uber rides fell. Clovis still had rent and bills to pay.

Through a WhatsApp group of Brazilians, he learned about a scheme involving fraudulent DoorDash accounts. Participants used false names and Social Security numbers to collect referral bonuses.

Clovis joined the scheme. He also sold location data obtained from DoorDash's public website for $1,000. The operation was associated with Priscilla Barbosa, although Clovis said they never met.

He stopped participating in January 2021. Federal authorities arrested him four months later.

Clovis eventually pleaded guilty. His financial problems were part of his history, but he had chosen to participate in fraud. That was something he needed to address before sentencing.

Writing a Personal Narrative That Addressed His Decisions

After his guilty plea, Clovis worked with White Collar Advice to document his history. Our interviews covered his childhood in Brazil, immigration to America, work history, marriage, and involvement in the DoorDash scheme.

He discussed the financial pressure he experienced during the pandemic and the circumstances that led him into the operation. He also described cultural differences he had encountered after moving to America, including his understanding of identification documents and official rules.

The narrative addressed those experiences without treating them as excuses.

During an interview with Michael Santos, federal Judge Mark Bennett explained why he wants to understand someone's history at sentencing.

“It's very important to put the life of the individual in context,” Judge Bennett said. “It doesn't justify, but it does explain.”

Clovis worked through several drafts, including the decisions that brought him into the scheme and his reasons for stopping before his arrest. His attorneys could review the narrative as they prepared their sentencing submission.

If you're facing federal sentencing, your attorney may know the criminal allegations in great detail. But what about the rest of your life? Your work, family responsibilities, past decisions, and the events that preceded your offense may require time to document.

Preparing to Speak to Judge Wolf in English

Clovis could speak English with customers and run his businesses. But he worried about finding the right words when addressing Judge Wolf.

He wanted to acknowledge his involvement in the fraud without blaming the pandemic or other participants. He also wanted to speak about his plans for the future.

We worked with Clovis over several sessions on his allocution. He practiced reading his statement aloud and revised passages that sounded unnatural when spoken.

During our interview with federal Judge Stephen Bough, Michael Santos asked whether reading a prepared statement could be effective for someone nervous about public speaking.

“Being nervous and writing it out and reading it can be just as powerful,” Judge Bough explained.

Clovis prepared to address the judge in words he understood and could deliver.

You may speak English as your first language and still find it difficult to discuss your crime in court. Preparing your statement in advance gives you time to consider what you want to say, review it with your attorney, and practice speaking before sentencing day.

Character Letters From People Who Knew Clovis

Our team also helped Clovis organize character reference letters from people who knew him through work, family, and his community.

The writers described his work habits, willingness to help neighbors, care for animals, and relationship with Lauren. Some recalled how early he left for work and the responsibilities he had taken on after arriving in the United States.

They were describing experiences they had witnessed.

Judge Bennett discussed character letters during his interview with Michael Santos:

“Tell me how you know the person, what their characteristics are, and then let me decide how that fits into an appropriate sentence.”

Clovis's attorneys could decide which letters belonged in his sentencing submission.

For your own case, consider who can describe something specific about you. Someone who worked alongside you, relied on your help, or witnessed how you treated others may have a story worth sharing with your attorney.

What Happened at Clovis's Federal Sentencing?

Clovis appeared before Judge Mark L. Wolf in Massachusetts. Prosecutors requested 57 months in federal prison.

His attorneys handled the courtroom advocacy. Clovis delivered his prepared statement.

According to Clovis, Judge Wolf discussed his personal narrative and allocution several times. He also recalled the judge expressing confidence that he would not commit another crime.

In a June 2023 review, Clovis wrote:

“I left the court feeling victorious, relieved, and very happy. The judge said more than three times during sentencing that after reading my letter and listening to my speech he could see who I really was.”

Judge Wolf imposed 20 months in federal prison and gave Clovis 45 days to surrender.

Clovis still faced separation from Lauren and the loss of his freedom. But he left court knowing his sentence and having heard the judge discuss the materials he had prepared.

Preparing for Prison and Returning Home

Clovis had 45 days before reporting to federal prison.

He and Lauren needed to make arrangements for their separation. Their plans to buy a farm in New Hampshire would have to wait. He also had to learn about prison rules, daily routines, and what to expect after surrender.

Clovis has since completed his sentence and returned home.

What Can You Begin Preparing Before Federal Sentencing?

Clovis's case involved wire fraud, but the work he undertook before sentencing is relevant to people facing many federal charges.

You may have questions about your personal narrative, the probation interview, character reference letters, or what to say when the judge invites you to speak. You may also be worried about prison and how your family will manage while you're away.

White Collar Advice helps clients prepare these materials and plan for federal custody. We work alongside defense attorneys, who remain responsible for legal strategy and courtroom advocacy.

If you're preparing for sentencing, schedule a complimentary consultation. Tell us where you are in the process, what you've prepared, and what concerns you most. We'll discuss how we may be able to help.

You can also call or text 949-799-3277.

Thank you,

Justin Paperny