Wilkes-Barre attorney Anthony Lupas had nothing to say on the way out of Federal Court in Scranton Thursday afternoon.
Attorney Anthony Lupas of Luzerne County is charged with one count of federal mail fraud, and the charges were filed as federal agents raided both his home and his office.
Lupas is mentioned in a civil lawsuit accusing him of swindling tens of thousands of dollars in an investment scheme.
There is no indication at this point if the mail fraud charge stems from the civil suit.
Attorney Ernie Preate represents some of those people suing Lupas.
"We're pleased. We filed a complaint with the FBI and US Attorney’s Office in the last few weeks and they've acted on it, and we're pleased they acted on it," said Preate.
Lupas' home in Plains Township and his office on Jackson Street in Wilkes-Barre were raided Thursday by federal agents with the IRS and the Secret Service. Agents were seen carrying out boxes and computer equipment.
Anthony Lupas was released after his arraignment but requirements of his bail include home confinement and electronic monitoring. He must also surrender his passport.
"It's a shame, it's a real shame because people trusted him. These were friends who were allegedly defrauded and to see this happen, to see their life savings gone, it's a real tragedy for people in the valley," said Preate.
If convicted of mail fraud, Lupas, who is 77 years old, faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Lupas is the father of attorney and former Luzerne County District Attorney David Lupas.