Ventura Man Arrested for Fraudulent Aircraft Parts Sales

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Aircraft parts being inspected in a professional workshop, emphasizing the importance of quality and safety in aviation.

News Summary

Jared Michael Swensen, a 48-year-old from Ventura, has been indicted on 10 counts related to fraudulent sales of aircraft parts. Operating Light Helicopter Depot, he allegedly misrepresented used parts as new, leading to potential safety risks in the aviation industry. If convicted, Swensen faces significant prison time and hefty fines for his fraudulent activities. The indictment highlights the critical importance of integrity in aviation maintenance practices and oversight.

California – Jared Michael Swensen, a 48-year-old resident of Ventura, has been arrested following a 10-count federal grand jury indictment involving fraudulent sales of aircraft parts. Swensen operated his business, Light Helicopter Depot, from the Oxnard Airport, where he allegedly engaged in deceptive practices concerning the repair and sale of helicopter components.

According to federal prosecutors, between April 2020 and August 2023, Swensen and his company systematically misrepresented used aircraft parts that were near the end of their service life as new. The indictment includes two counts of wire fraud and eight counts of fraud related to aircraft parts. If found guilty, Swensen could face a maximum of 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count and up to 15 years for each charge involving aircraft parts. Additionally, Light Helicopter Depot may incur fines as high as $10 million for each aircraft parts fraud count and up to $1 million for each wire fraud count.

Prosecutors assert that Swensen falsified entries in maintenance logbooks and altered sales orders and packing slips to misrepresent the actual age of aircraft parts. The company promoted its services as certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with inspection authorization, potentially misleading customers regarding the safety and reliability of their aircraft maintenance.

Among the critical components that were falsely represented were main rotor blades. In one notable instance, Swensen purportedly claimed that main rotor blades had only 215.2 hours of service, while they actually had more than 2,108 hours. In a similar case, a clutch actuator was advertised as having zero hours; however, it had at least 1,240 hours of use. Such discrepancies raise significant safety concerns, as equipment failures of this nature could likely lead to helicopter crashes.

Swensen’s company charged customers for maintenance services ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, with bills that reached up to $23,700. The investigation into Light Helicopter Depot was conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, with the FAA also assisting in the inquiry.

The case highlights the critical issues surrounding aircraft safety and maintenance practices. Prosecutors are emphasizing the severity of Swensen’s alleged actions, considering the potential risks they posed to customers and the aviation community at large. The indictment serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity within the aviation industry, particularly in relation to aircraft parts and maintenance services.

Swensen’s case will be managed by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dennis Mitchell and Danbee Kim from the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section, further indicating the seriousness with which the authorities are treating this matter.

This indictment not only places Swensen and Light Helicopter Depot under scrutiny but also raises broader concerns about regulatory compliance and safety standards in the aviation sector. The alleged fraudulent activities exemplify the critical need for vigilance and accountability in ensuring the safety of aircraft parts offered in the marketplace.