Trucking Company Owner, Logistics Employee Sentenced for $821,899 Fraud Scheme

Fake invoices cheated companies at the Port of Savannah over 3-year period

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:50pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a stack of financial documents with a harsh, direct flash illuminating the textured surface, conceptually representing the investigation into a fraud scheme targeting the Port of Savannah.A recent fraud scheme targeting the Port of Savannah's supply chain operations has led to prison sentences for the perpetrators.Sylvania Today

A trucking company owner and a logistics employee were recently sentenced for a scheme that cheated companies out of more than $800,000. Philip Charles Smith, 41, of Richmond Hill, Ga., used his employee access to create fake freight-hauling jobs that he assigned to Antonio J. Evans Sr., 41, of Sylvania, Ga. Companies at the Port of Savannah paid Evans for work that was never completed, and Smith received a portion of these fraudulent funds.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of integrity and honesty in critical supply chain operations supporting major ports like the Port of Savannah. Fraud schemes that exploit positions of trust can undermine the integrity of these vital logistics networks and impact broader economic activity.

The details

From July 2021 to August 2024, Smith used his previous employee access at a company serving the Port of Savannah to create fake freight-hauling jobs that he assigned to Evans. As part of the scheme, companies at the Port of Savannah paid Evans for work that was never completed, and Smith received a portion of these funds. The fake invoice scheme totaled $821,899 over the three-year period.

  • From July 2021 to August 2024, the fake invoice scheme was carried out.
  • On April 8, 2026, Smith and Evans were sentenced for their roles in the scheme.

The players

Philip Charles Smith

A 41-year-old trucking company owner from Richmond Hill, Georgia who used his employee access to create the fake freight-hauling jobs.

Antonio J. Evans Sr.

A 41-year-old logistics employee from Sylvania, Georgia who was assigned the fake freight-hauling jobs and received payments from companies for work that was never completed.

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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

“Schemes like this exploit positions of trust and undermine the integrity of critical supply chain operations supporting the Port of Savannah. The FBI is committed to holding accountable those who use fraud and deception for personal gain, and we will continue working with our partners to protect businesses from financial crimes that impact commerce and the broader economy.”

— Brad Snider, Senior Supervisory Resident Agent of FBI Georgia's Savannah office

What’s next

The judge ordered Smith and Evans to pay $821,899 in restitution in addition to their prison sentences.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for strong oversight and accountability measures to prevent fraud schemes that can undermine the integrity of critical supply chain operations at major ports. Businesses must be vigilant in ensuring honesty and integrity from their employees and service providers.