Lightfoot Secures a Sentence of Probation for Client in Tax Evasion, Money Laundering, and Gambling Case

May 21, 2025

Lightfoot, Frankin & White LLC partner Brandon K. Essig and associate M. Wesley Smithart secured a no-jail time sentence for a client, who pleaded guilty to participating in an illegal sports betting operation and money laundering. 

Initially indicted for tax evasion as well, the client faced statutory penalties of up to 20 years in federal prison. As a result of Lightfoot’s representation, he avoided a custodial sentence altogether. The court ordered six months of home confinement followed by probation and dismissed the charges of tax evasion against the client. 

A seasoned litigator and former Assistant U.S. Attorney, Essig maintains a robust civil, white-collar criminal defense and investigations practice. He has tried dozens of high-profile jury cases, and his courtroom experience includes civil and criminal trials in state and federal courts and multiple appellate arguments.

Smithart represents clients in cases involving product liability, medical malpractice, white-collar criminal enforcement and personal injury. Her clients include a Fortune 100 technology company, a Fortune 100 automotive manufacturer and several healthcare providers, as well as large national insurance, trucking and manufacturing companies.

Both Essig and Smithart are members of Lightfoot’s White-Collar Criminal Defense & Corporate Investigations practice group, which represents individuals and businesses targeted by prosecutors and enforcement agencies. The firm represents clients in federal and state courts, before Congress and federal regulatory agencies, and in internal investigations. Members of the group also conduct numerous internal investigations for a wide variety of firms and companies, advising senior management and boards of directors in a practical business manner.