Jupiter Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Defrauding Navy, Coast Guard

Jasen Butler convicted of wire fraud, money laundering, and forgery

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:50am

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An extreme close-up of a crumpled, forged financial document reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the gritty details of a government contracting fraud investigation.A harsh, forensic-style photograph captures the physical evidence of a complex fraud scheme targeting critical government funds.Palm Beach Gardens Today

A 42-year-old Jupiter, Florida man has been sentenced to 5 years in federal prison for defrauding the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard through a complex scheme involving wire fraud, money laundering, and forgery.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of rooting out fraud and corruption within government procurement and contracting processes, which can divert critical funds away from important military and public safety operations.

The details

According to court documents, Jasen Butler used forged documents and false invoices to bill the Navy and Coast Guard for work that was never performed. He then laundered the fraudulently obtained funds through various bank accounts. The total amount of the fraud was over $1.2 million.

  • On April 12, 2026, Butler was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison.
  • Butler was initially charged in October 2024 and pleaded guilty in January 2026.

The players

Jasen Butler

A 42-year-old resident of Jupiter, Florida who was convicted of wire fraud, money laundering, and forgery in a scheme to defraud the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard.

U.S. Navy

A branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for naval operations, including ship-based combat, amphibious operations, and air support.

U.S. Coast Guard

A branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and other coastal operations.

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What they’re saying

“This sentence should serve as a strong deterrent to those who would seek to defraud the government for their own personal gain.”

— U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida

What’s next

The U.S. Attorney's Office will continue to investigate and prosecute any instances of fraud against the federal government.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of robust oversight and accountability measures within government contracting to prevent abuse of taxpayer funds and ensure critical resources are used effectively for their intended purposes.