PORT ARTHUR, Texas – A Port Arthur woman has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and must repay over $1.4 million after pleading guilty to a wire fraud scheme targeting an elderly victim.
Joanne Schiwart, 28, was sentenced on September 10, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. She pleaded guilty to wire fraud and was ordered to pay $1,464,761.47 in restitution.
Court records reveal that over the course of a year, Schiwart orchestrated a sophisticated fraud in which she impersonated an elderly individual to access and transfer funds from their retirement accounts. By using personally identifying information during phone calls with the investment company, Schiwart convinced them she was the account holder.
The stolen funds were used for personal gain, including purchasing multiple vehicles for herself and giving some as gifts.
The FBI conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Jackson led the prosecution.
