Original Article Sheriff's sergeant pleads guilty to investment scheme Robert Anglen The Arizona Republic Aug. 11, 2005 12:00 AM A Maricopa County sheriff's sergeant is pleading guilty to covering up a securities fraud scheme that bilked investors. Leo Richard Driving Hawk faces up to three years in prison and a $250,000 fine for his part in a "high-yield program" through the United States Reservation Bank and Trust between 2001 and 2002. Driving Hawk told federal authorities in an Aug. 2 plea agreement that he became aware investor funds were being misappropriated and did nothing to stop it. He has worked for the Sheriff's Office since 1990. "We are working with the federal officials on their investigation, and he is on administrative leave with pay while we do that," said Lt. Paul Chagolla, a spokesman for the Sheriff's Office. Driving Hawk is charged with one count of "having knowledge of a felony pertaining to the solicitation and receipt of a $1 million investment" from a doctor. According to the plea agreement, Driving Hawk became the bank's executive vice president in 2001 and learned "records of the bank were disorganized and that there was a serious problem." Federal prosecutors said Driving Hawk did not go to authorities. Instead, he advised the doctor on investment options and gave assurances that the bank was "making 2002 a year of exciting growth," the plea agreement states. Driving Hawk is scheduled for sentencing on Aug. 17.