Couple Skips Out On Federal Trial In Denver, Is Captured In Bahamas

DENVER (CBS4) - A couple wanted for running from the law in Colorado is now in custody.

Donald Winberg, 44, and Karlien Winberg, 34, were due to stand trial in Denver federal court on conspiracy and wire fraud charges, but as the trial date drew closer they suddenly disappeared.

The Winbergs are accused of making million dollar deals to sell hay and other agricultural products, but investigators say they didn't deliver the goods that were promised.

Their emails contained excuses to the victims, for example:

We ship over 5000 containers every year all around the world. … Invoices are to be paid in full before departure of our facility. … I am sorry for any inconvenience but we have not been able to collect on a couple of past customers.

Before their trial in federal court could begin on Jan. 5 the U.S. Attorney's Office in Denver says they fled.

It was determined they were involved in what appeared to be an emergency situation in Texas's Galveston Bay in which a sailboat they were on partially sunk. They and their seven children had to be rescued.

The family left the area quickly and the boat sat in the bay partially tipped over, and authorities then began to search for them. The couple was believed to have a large amount of cash when the boat ran aground.

The couple finally turned up with another boat in the Bahamas. They were recognized by an American family who had seen publicity about the couple.

The Winbergs claimed they were vacationing in the Bahamas, but that vacation came to a sudden end. They were flown by authorities from the Bahamas to Miami, where they were placed under arrest.