Lawrence E Payne

Full Report

Key Points

• Identity: Lawrence E. Payne, a resident of Overland Park and Olathe, Kansas, has been involved in multiple criminal activities, including insurance fraud and violations of the Endangered Species Act.

• Criminal Convictions: Payne was convicted of insurance fraud in 2016, related to falsely claiming stolen collectible shoes, and pleaded guilty in 2018 to illegally importing endangered Asian leopard cats.

• Legal Consequences: He received a 30-day jail sentence and 24 months’ probation for the insurance fraud case and faced penalties for the Endangered Species Act violation.

• No Cybercrime Link: Despite the provided source link suggesting a cybercrime connection, no credible evidence links Payne to cybercriminal activities based on available records.

• Reputational Risk: Payne’s documented criminal history raises significant concerns about his trustworthiness and reliability in personal or business dealings.

Overview

Lawrence E. Payne is an individual from Kansas, primarily known through public records for his involvement in criminal activities rather than for any professional or business endeavors. There is no evidence indicating that Payne operates a company or holds a significant public or corporate role. His documented activities center around two notable legal cases:

• Insurance Fraud (2013–2016): Payne was investigated for falsely reporting the theft of 140 pairs of collectible Nike shoes, which were later found in his possession during a wildlife-related search.

• Endangered Species Violation (2018): Payne pleaded guilty to importing endangered Asian leopard cats, a protected species, without proper authorization.

No information suggests Payne is currently active in any legitimate business or professional capacity. His public profile is defined by these legal issues, with no additional details on employment, education, or community involvement.

Allegations and Concerns

• Insurance Fraud (2013):

  • Payne claimed that 140 pairs of collectible Nike shoes were stolen during a burglary at his Overland Park home. His insurance company dropped his claim in July 2013, suspecting fraud. A 2016 search by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uncovered the shoes in Payne’s possession, leading to his conviction.

  • Outcome: Sentenced to 30 days in jail and 24 months’ probation by the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office, with the case supported by the Kansas Department of Insurance’s Anti-Fraud Division.

• Endangered Species Act Violation (2018):

  • Payne applied for a breeding license for Asian leopard cats through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, triggering an investigation. Authorities found three Asian leopard cats at his residence, which he admitted to importing illegally.

  • Outcome: Pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Endangered Species Act, as reported by U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister. Specific penalties were not detailed in available records.

• Potential Wildlife Violations: The insurance fraud case emerged during a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigation into possible unregistered big cats brought into the U.S., suggesting broader wildlife-related misconduct, though no additional charges were specified.

• Unsubstantiated Cybercrime Allegations: The source link provided (not cited per instructions) implies a cybercrime connection, but no credible public records, court documents, or news reports link Payne to cybercriminal activities such as hacking, phishing, or online fraud.

Customer Feedback

As Payne is not associated with a business or public-facing service, there are no customer reviews or consumer feedback available. Public sentiment, as reflected in news reports, is negative due to his criminal convictions:

• Media Coverage: Articles from Insurance Journal and The Topeka Capital-Journal portray Payne as a convicted fraudster and wildlife law violator, with no positive attributes highlighted. For example, Insurance Journal notes, “Lawrence E. Payne, Overland Park, was sentenced… following the discovery of 140 pairs of collectible Nike-brand shoes,” emphasizing the deceptive nature of his actions.

• Lack of Positive Feedback: No sources, including news outlets or public databases, provide testimonials or positive remarks about Payne’s character or actions.

Risk Considerations

• Reputational Risk: Payne’s documented history of fraud and illegal wildlife importation severely damages his credibility. Any association with him could tarnish the reputation of individuals or organizations.

• Legal Risk: His prior convictions suggest a propensity for deceptive and illegal behavior, increasing the likelihood of future legal entanglements. Potential partners or associates face risks of being implicated in any new violations.

• Financial Risk: While no specific financial debts or bankruptcy records were identified, Payne’s insurance fraud conviction indicates a willingness to engage in financially motivated deception, posing risks to financial dealings.

• Trustworthiness: Payne’s actions demonstrate a pattern of dishonesty, making him an unreliable partner in personal or professional contexts.

Business Relations and Associations

• No Known Business Ventures: Payne is not linked to any registered companies, partnerships, or professional organizations in available records.

• Key Associations:

  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Investigated Payne in connection with wildlife violations, leading to the discovery of the insurance fraud evidence.

  • Johnson County District Attorney’s Office and Kansas Department of Insurance: Prosecuted Payne for insurance fraud, indicating interactions with state legal and regulatory bodies.

  • U.S. Department of Agriculture: Payne’s application for a breeding license for Asian leopard cats triggered the Endangered Species Act investigation.

• Lack of Private Sector Ties: No evidence suggests Payne has business partners, investors, or corporate affiliations.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• Insurance Fraud Conviction (2016):

  • Case Details: Payne falsely claimed a burglary to collect insurance for 140 pairs of Nike shoes, valued significantly due to their collectible status. The shoes were found during a wildlife investigation, leading to charges.

  • Legal Outcome: 30 days in jail, 24 months’ probation, and likely restitution or fines (not specified in sources).

• Endangered Species Act Violation (2018):

  • Case Details: Payne illegally imported three Asian leopard cats, a protected species, and admitted guilt after a search warrant executed by federal authorities.

  • Legal Outcome: Guilty plea to one count, with penalties not fully detailed in public records.

• Other Legal Records:

  • A 6th Circuit case, USA v. Lawrence Payne (2012), appears in Justia records but lacks sufficient detail to confirm it involves the same individual. Without further context, it is not definitively linked to this Payne.

• Financial Concerns:

  • No bankruptcy filings, unpaid debts, or liens are explicitly mentioned in available sources.

  • The insurance fraud case suggests financial motivation, as Payne sought to profit from a false claim, but no ongoing financial liabilities are documented.

Risk Assessment Table

Lawrence E. Payne emerges as an individual with a troubling history of criminal behavior, marked by convictions for insurance fraud and violations of the Endangered Species Act. His actions reveal a pattern of deception and disregard for legal regulations, particularly in pursuit of financial gain or personal interests (e.g., exotic animals). The absence of any professional or business profile limits the scope of this investigation but underscores that Payne’s public identity is tied to his legal troubles. The suggested cybercrime connection lacks substantiation, as no credible sources link him to digital or online offenses, suggesting the source link may be misleading or erroneous.