We Can Brewing Founder Sentenced for Fraud

Matthew Mulder, founder of We Can Brewing Systems, LLC, has been sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for defrauding 23 customers out of over $880,000. From January 2017 to June 2018, Mulder solicited payments for brewing equipment that he knew his company could not deliver, often providing false updates and fabricated invoices to induce further payments. He misused the funds for personal expenses rather than fulfilling orders, ultimately leading to a seven-count indictment for wire and mail fraud. Mulder was ordered to pay $887,116 in restitution and will serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. Investigations were conducted by the FBI and the Bend Police Department, with the prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gavin W. Bruce. Mulder pleaded guilty to all charges on April 3, 2024.