Fleet Owner, Broker Sentenced for Fake-Invoicing Scheme

Pair pleaded guilty to wire fraud, ordered to pay $821,899 in restitution

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:06pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, torn financial document, capturing the stark, gritty details of the evidence in a fraudulent invoicing scheme.A recent fraud scheme targeting a major logistics company serving the Port of Savannah exposes the need for heightened oversight and accountability in the transportation industry.Sylvania Today

A logistics company employee and a trucking company owner have been sentenced to prison and ordered to pay restitution after pleading guilty to a scheme that paid for fake transportation invoices. Philip Charles Smith, 41, of Richmond Hill, Georgia, was sentenced to 27 months in prison, while Antonio J. Evans Sr., 41, of Sylvania, Georgia, was sentenced to 13 months in prison.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of honesty and integrity in the transportation industry, especially for companies that serve major logistics hubs like the Port of Savannah. The scheme betrayed the trust of the employer and resulted in significant financial losses.

The details

According to court documents, Smith previously worked for a national logistics and transportation company that served the Port of Savannah, while Evans owned a local trucking company that served as a licensed carrier for Smith's employer. From July 2021 to August 2024, Smith used his employee access to create fake freight-hauling jobs that he assigned to Evans. The company then unwittingly paid Evans for work that didn't exist, and Evans would kick back a portion of the funds to Smith.

  • From July 2021 to August 2024, the scheme was carried out.
  • On April 6, 2026, the sentences were announced.

The players

Philip Charles Smith

A 41-year-old former employee of a national logistics and transportation company that served the Port of Savannah.

Antonio J. Evans Sr.

A 41-year-old owner of a local trucking company that served as a licensed carrier for Smith's employer.

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What they’re saying

“Private companies that serve the transportation needs for the Port of Savannah, like all companies, deserve to expect honesty and integrity from their employees and service providers.”

— Margaret E. 'Meg' Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia

What’s next

The judge ordered Smith and Evans to be held equally responsible for paying $821,899 in restitution.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of maintaining trust and integrity in the transportation industry, especially for companies that rely on third-party service providers. The scheme's significant financial impact underscores the need for robust oversight and accountability measures to prevent such fraudulent activities.