When an individual has been charged with a federal crime in Illinois, the individual's case will be represented in a federal court which has its own set of procedures, rules and sentencing guidelines. Federal crimes are considered to be serious felonies and often carry harsher penalties than state crimes.

Recently, a former Crystal Lake resident discovered just how serious penalties for federal crimes can be after he was charged with several crimes including mail fraud.

The 56-year-old man has been charged with 10 counts of mail fraud and six counts of filing false federal income tax returns in connection to his alleged role in a Ponzi scheme. Each count of mail fraud is punishable up to 20 years in prison. Each count for reporting false income taxes is punishable up to three years in prison.