Collection Agency Owner Sentenced For Major Financial Fraud

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A 50-year-old Rosemount man has pleaded guilty to one count each of theft and theft by swindle while being the owner of a collection agency, the Dakota County Attorney's Office announced Monday.

County Attorney James Backstrom says Scott Alan Schoaf took monies paid by clients in excess of $72,000 as the owner of Alternative Receivables Solutions Incorporated (ARS) between June 2009 and March 2010.

Judge Shawn Moynihan sentenced Schoaf to 30 days of Sentence to Serve (jail alternative program), probation for up to 20 years and restitution to be determined. Schoaf was also ordered to serve an addition 25 days of Sentence to Serve each year until restitution is paid in full.

As part of his sentence, Schoaf cannot volunteer or be employed where he can handle funds.