Federal fugitive arrested in Bangkok for allegedly defrauding Wyoming hospital of $850,000

BANGKOK — A federal fugitive was arrested in Thailand Thursday after allegedly fleeing the United States following charges of defrauding a Wyoming hospital of $850,000.

Paul David Cardwell was arrested following a tip provided to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Bangkok that Cardwell was residing in Hua Hin, Thailand. HSI Bangkok personnel traveled to Hua Hin and verified that the individual was Cardwell.

Royal Thai Tourist Police were contacted and Cardwell was arrested with the assistance of HSI Bangkok officials.

Cardwell, with other co-conspirators, allegedly defrauded a Wyoming hospital of about $850,000 and traveled to Thailand to purchase real estate with the proceeds. HSI Bangkok began an investigation into Cardwell's activities in Thailand.

Cardwell surrendered to federal authorities March 27, 2012, and was charged with violating numerous federal fraud statutes in U.S. District Court in Cheyenne, Wyo. He was released on bond following arraignment. As part of the condition of his release, he surrendered his U.S. passport. Cardwell illegally left the United States after attempting to procure another passport under a different identity.

Officials from U.S. Embassy Bangkok's American Citizen Services will be coordinating Cardwell's return to the United States. Cardwell will be held in Thai custody until he is transported back to the U.S.

This case is being investigated by HSI, the FBI, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

An indictment is only an accusation. In every criminal case, the accused is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty, and the government always has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.