A Fresno man who billed himself as an “independent business consultant,” received a 66-month federal prison sentence Monday for wire fraud, bank fraud, and income tax evasion.

Kenneth Shane Patterson, 44, of Fresno, also agreed to pay $1.9 million in restitution, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced in a news release.

According to court documents, Patterson convinced a small business owner to give him more than $1 million so that Patterson could acquire a skilled nursing facility in Pasadena.

Patterson promised to then sell the facility to the business owner at below market value. Patterson told the business owner that he needed the money to clear liens and pay other expenses so the deal would close. But Patterson never intended to buy the facility and instead spent the money on unrelated business expenses and gambling.

Ran $150,000 Fraud on BofA

Patterson also defrauded Bank of America of $150,000 in a check-kiting scheme.

Additionally, Patterson evaded paying federal income tax from as far back as 2003. His methods of deception: having no personal bank accounts, incurring expenses on accounts not in his name, and dealing in high volumes of cash.

Billed Himself as ‘Accomplished Business’ Expert

On his LinkedIn page, Patterson boasted: “Accomplished Business Development Officer with over 20 years experience in the SBA Industry. I personally have over 2 billion in SBA 7a, and SBA 504 Loans and SBA 504 Green Loans and USDA B&I Loans under my belt. I am a Family Man, Business Owner and Entrepreneur. Through the volatile times of our economy good and bad, I have demonstrated the ability to help business owners across the country realize their dreams.”

Patterson pleaded guilty on Oct. 19, 2021. He was arrested on Nov. 1, 2019.

This case was investigated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the FBI, and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandre Dempsey prosecuted the case.