A former FBI special agent pleaded guilty on May 2 to stealing more than $136,000 in drug money seized by the Bureau.
Scott M. Bowman, 45, is charged with conversion of property by a federal employee, obstruction of justice, one count of falsification of records and witness tampering.
Bowman admitted in federal court to taking the money, which was seized during the execution of three search warrants in a wide-ranging investigation into the drug trade in California in 2014.
CNN previously reported that the investigation netted “52 alleged members and associates of a Southern California street gang with ties to the Mexican Mafia,” but the case was thrown into jeopardy with Bowman’s arrest.
The 2015 CNN report said that one case “involving the seizure of several pounds of methamphetamine and cocaine, along with 11 weapons, has already been dismissed” as a result of Bowman’s indictment.
The former special agent copped to a plea deal and admitted that he spent the money on a mélange of personal gifs including:
- $43,850 for a 2012 Dodge Challenger coupe
- $27,500 for a 2013 Toyota Scion FR-S coupe
- $26,612 on rims, tires and speakers for the vehicles
- $15,000 on cosmetic surgery for his wife
- $10,665 deposited into a checking account
To hide the theft, Bowman admitted to submitting a forged evidence receipt and convinced a local police detective to lie if asked about the drug money, providing a cover story.
Bowman’s sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 15.
