Couple Admit Stealing $34 Million from Oregon Publishing Tycoon Win McCormack
The largest heist against an individual in the history of the Oregon federal court unfolded on Friday as a chauffeur couple admitted to stealing more than $34 million from prominent Oregon publisher Win McCormack.
Sergey A. Lebedenko (54) and his wife, Galina A. Lebedenko (49), pleaded guilty to three charges – conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and wire fraud – before U.S. District Judge Amy M. Baggio.
The Couple Charged Victim’s Credit Card for Services Never Rendered
Charges are that between 2017 and 2023 the couple made unauthorized and excessive charges to his American Express account. They also charged McCormack’s American Express card for services never provided.
Prosecutors say the couple used the money to buy real estate in Oregon, California, and Washington. They also acquired a 50% share in a private jet and bought gold bullion and expensive jewelry and clothing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine C. De Villiers told the judge that the couple have agreed to forfeit 19 financial accounts, and 13 properties estimated to be worth between $15 million and $20 million.
Sergey and Galina Lebedenko Lived a Lavish Lifestyle
Expanding on the couple’s lavish lifestyle, prosecutors said the Lebedenko’s ‘colossal heist’ included multimillion-dollar vacation homes and houses for their two adult daughters and their pastor in the Portland metro area.
The properties seized by the government are in Bend, Boring, Gresham, Happy Valley, Portland, Silverton, and Sunriver. Other properties purchased by the couple are in Battle Ground, Washington, Indio, California, and Vancouver. The government alleges that each home was bought by the couple personally, or via family trust funds.
McCormack (79) is the heir to a Midwest banking fortune and a generous Democrat Party donor. While he did not attend the court hearing, McCormack did say in a statement that he hoped the case would give criminals ‘pause and save others, especially the elderly’ from these types of crimes.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Ho said Sergey Lebedenko met McCormack in 2007 and chauffeured him from 2016 through 2023. McCormack gave Sergey Lebedenko access to his American Express credit card in 2016, after which the couple made unauthorized charges between 2017 and 2022.
The Lebedenko’s bought many luxury items, some exceeding $10,000, Ho said.
During their service to McCormack, the couple also undertook odd jobs such as running personal errands, grocery shopping, and house sitting.
The Lebedenko’s are in custody until sentencing which is scheduled for January 16, 2025.
At the court hearing on Friday, the couple pleaded guilty to three charges of a 36-count indictment. The rest of the charges were dropped. Under a plea agreement, prosecutors will ask for prison terms of three years and five months to four years and four months.