Feds seek hidden assets; Ed Moskop says he borrowed for ticket to prison [Belleville News-Democrat, Ill.]

Jan. 09--EAST ST. LOUIS -- When forced to testify under oath what he had accumulated through two decades of stealing the life savings of investors, Edward Moskop was forced to admit he spent nearly all of it.

When Assistant U. S. Attorney Gerald Burke asked the 64-year-old swindler where he got the money to pay for his one-way $99 airfare to Denver to report to prison, he said he borrowed it from his mother and his ex-wife.

He must report on Jan. 18 to the Englewood Federal Correctional Institution in Littleton, Colo., to serve a 20-year sentence. Under federal rules, he must serve at least 17 years. He must also pay restitution of about $1.5 million.

A handful of his 26 victims, including his cousin, 78-year-old Evelyn "Peachie" Rich, was on hand, hoping to hear that Moskop may have secreted money that could be used to pay them back.

But Moskop testified that all that was left was about $18,000 in two frozen bank accounts, a $2,500 gold and diamond ring he once wore, and whatever amount the sale of his home's remaining furniture will bring. The home at 125 Hickory Lake in Belleville is in foreclosure.

When asked whether Moskop had engaged in illegal gambling, an activity that U.S. Attorney Steve Wigginton previously said his office strongly suspected, Moskop invoked his Fifth Amendment protection against self incrimination. His attorney Justin Kuehn of Belleville advised him not to answer questions about illegal gambling, including card playing for high stakes.

If Moskop had admitted to gambling, he would have been required to identify other gamblers, Kuehn said.

Moskop, former owner of Moskop & Associates in Belleville, pleaded guilty to federal charges of mail fraud and money laundering connected to the theft of assets from 26 investors, who together lost $2.4 million. He declined comment after the hearing.

Burke wanted an accounting of any and all assets, including what Moskop may have on him in his wallet. He answered that it was about $10.

All three of his vehicles -- a 2001 Infiniti, a 2006 Volkswagen convertible and a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire -- were repossessed, Moskop said.

He testified that he borrowed his mother's car to drive to court in East St. Louis. Moskop said he is living at his mother's house in Cahokia, but that he sometimes spends time at his ex-wife's home or at the former family home on Hickory Lake.

He told Burke he receives $1,400 a month in Social Security retirement benefits that he said he has used for living expenses. Those payments will end once he enters prison. He denied owning any property or other assets.

Moskop also receives a monthly pension of $337 from an insurance carrier where he once worked, but that amount has already been taken over by the federal government.

The prison in Littleton is about 15 miles southwest of Denver and is a low-security facility.

Contact reporter George Pawlaczyk at gpawlaczyk@bnd.com and 239-2625

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