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Crystal Lake businessman accused of defrauding veterans

A Crystal Lake businessman and four of his employees are facing federal fraud charges, accused of obtaining contracts meant for disabled and homeless veterans.

Federal prosecutors say John C. Blanchard, 51, operated several businesses in the Crystal Lake area that fraudulently received federal contracts meant for business owned by disabled, homeless and other veterans.

Blanchard’s wife Joanne, 49, and brother James, 55, of McHenry, also were indicted. Two other employees, Eric R. Behler, 51, of Curlew, Wash., and Amy B. Johnson, 50, of Elkhart, Ind., were charged as well.

The five are facing a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted of wire fraud, prosecutors said.

They are all expected to be arraigned Tuesday at the federal courthouse in Rockford.

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