Prosecutors Seek Custody for Fraud Suspect Due to Risk of Flight and Drug Use

In April 2022, prosecutors asked that a suspect be held in custody due to concerns about his history of evading law enforcement and drug use. The suspect, Anthony Cipolla, has a record of attempting to flee from authorities, including an incident where he climbed onto the roof of his home when federal agents raided it. Weeks before his indictment, Cipolla was pulled over for driving erratically after mistaking another vehicle for law enforcement. He later admitted to using cocaine during this period.Prosecutors also noted that Cipolla had continued to engage in fraudulent activities even after being released on home confinement. In November 2022, a judge ordered him to turn himself in, but he was apprehended by state police while allegedly trying to flee the jurisdiction. His lawyer argued that his crimes were more about deception than outright theft and emphasized Cipolla's positive qualities as a family man.