Man who fled during trial sentenced to 17 years in prison
Thomas Qualls, the president of International Foreign Currency, Inc., was sentenced 17.5 years of imprisonment following his convictions for mail fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy and obstruction of justice.
During the fourth week of his trial, Qualls failed to appear in court on the day that closing arguments were scheduled to begin. After determining that Qualls had fled, the court resumed the trial in the defendant’s absence, and the jury returned a verdict of guilty on all counts.
Approximately six months later, Canadian authorities apprehended Qualls, and he remained in Canadian custody until he was extradited to the United States.