Owner of West Virginia internet provider arrested for theft of federal broadband funding

CLARKSBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The owner of a West Virginia internet provider has been arrested for the theft of federal broadband funding.

The CEO of Clearfiber, Inc., an internet service provider serving Monongalia County, faces charges of money laundering.

Timothy Chad Henson, aged 35 from Morgantown, stands accused of defrauding the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) by allegedly submitting false invoices to secure funds from the USDA’s Community Connect Program.

The program provides grants to expand broadband services in rural areas. Henson managed to obtain $1.96 million in grants intended for high-speed internet services in Monongalia and Marion Counties.

However, court documents reveal that he redirected $322,900 into a personal bank account. If convicted, Henson could be sentenced to up to 10 years in federal prison.

His initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi is scheduled for May 29.