18 U.S.C. § 1519 – Destruction, Alteration, or Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations and Bankruptcy
This statute criminalizes destroying, altering, or falsifying records to interfere with federal investigations or bankruptcy proceedings.
What the statute targets.
Section 1519 is a record-based obstruction statute. It focuses on conduct involving documents, records, or tangible objects when done with the intent to interfere with a federal matter or a bankruptcy case.
Prohibited conduct.
The statute makes it a felony to knowingly:
- Alter, destroy, mutilate, or conceal a record or document
- Cover up or falsify records or tangible objects
- Make a false entry in any record or document
The conduct must be done with intent to:
- Impede, obstruct, or influence a federal investigation
- Interfere with the proper administration of a matter within federal agency jurisdiction
- Obstruct a bankruptcy case under Title 11
No pending investigation required.
Section 1519 reaches conduct done in relation to or in contemplation of a federal investigation or bankruptcy case. The government does not need to prove that a formal investigation was already underway at the time the records were altered or destroyed.
Scope is intentionally broad.
The statute applies to:
- Any department or agency of the United States
- Any matter within federal jurisdiction
- Any bankruptcy filing, proceeding, or case
“Tangible object” is interpreted broadly and is not limited to traditional paper records.
Penalties.
A violation of § 1519 carries:
- Up to 20 years in federal prison
- A fine under Title 18
Why this statute is frequently charged.
Prosecutors rely on § 1519 when evidence shows document destruction, data manipulation, or record falsification tied to regulatory inquiries, white-collar investigations, or bankruptcy proceedings—even if no charges existed at the time of the conduct.
If you are being investigated for record destruction or obstruction-related conduct,
contact our federal criminal defense attorneys to discuss your situation.
