Diane Renee Erdmann and Bernard Ross Hansen. Photos courtesy of FBI

Diane Renee Erdmann and Bernard Ross Hansen. Photos courtesy of FBI

FBI searching for Auburn couple convicted for fraud, skipped sentencing

The two were last seen leaving a Federal Way hotel on May 1.

The FBI is searching for two Federal Way business owners previously convicted for multiple counts of fraud, who failed to appear for their April 29 sentencing.

Bernard Ross Hansen, 61, is the former president and CEO of Northwest Territorial Mint (NWTM), a now-bankrupt company previously based in Federal Way dealing in precious metals.

In July 2021, he was recently convicted of 14 federal felonies resulting from a Ponzi-like scheme that defrauded customers of millions of dollars, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Vault Manager Diane Renee Erdmann, 49, was also convicted of 13 counts of wire fraud and mail fraud following the trial, according to the DOJ. After failing to appear for their April 29 sentencing, a judge issued a warrant for their arrest.

They fled their home in Auburn, and are traveling in a blue 2005 Mazda MPV. Erdmann and Hansen were last seen on Sunday morning (May 1) checking out of a hotel in Federal Way, according to the FBI.

They then drove south on Pacific Highway South (Highway 99). They are traveling with a Cardigan Welsh Corgi dog and are paying for expenses with cash.

Erdmann and Hansen may still be in South King County, but also have ties to Eastern Washington, California, Oregon, and Nevada, according to the FBI.

Each of the counts of conviction are punishable by up to 20 years in prison, the Mirror previously reported.

The business previously dealt with selling, buying exchanging, storing and leasing gold, silver and other previous metals, according to the DOJ.

Approximately 2,500 customers paid for orders, made bullion sales or made exchanges that were either never fulfilled or never refunded, resulting in a total loss of $25 million, the trial revealed. Later, it was found nearly $5 million was missing from the NWTM vaults.

Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI Toll-Free at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). You may also contact your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Northwest

Courtesy File Photo, WSDOT
6-cent gas tax hike central to new transportation deal in Legislature

The tax would also rise in the future to account for inflation

Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.
‘Too many reasons to list’: Protesters flood the Renton Landing | Photos

‘I’m excited that Renton has this many concerned people,’ one protester says

Renton High School. FILE PHOTO
Renton School District cuts librarians from 8 schools

To help meet a $15 million budget shortfall, librarians to be cut next year at middle and high schools

(Screenshot/Courtesy of King County)
King County fingerprint ID levy is passing at the polls

Election results: The levy would authorize an additional property tax for seven years, beginning in 2026.

t
Fifth case of measles in state identified in a King County infant

Traveled through Sea-Tac Airport and visited Seattle Children’s Hospital

t
Auburn middle school wrestling coach charged with sex crimes

Daniel Lee, 64, allegedly texted sexually with a student, 14, and received nude photos from her.

The city of Renton is considering ways to better protect LGBTQ+ rights in the city. File photo
Renton City Council considers ways to protect LGBTQ rights

Debate revolves around creating a proclamation or a resolution.

t
Potential exposure to measles from traveler at Sea-Tac Airport, hotel

Canadian resident traveled April 6-7 through airport; stayed at Tukwila hotel

t
Juveniles arrested for Haggen robbery in Auburn

Officers stopped three juveniles and a female adult after reported threat with gun to employee

One sign said, “Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combination.” Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.
Another colorful show of support in Renton for Drag Queen Story Time

Families, allies and local members of the LGBTQ+ community did not hesitate to stand up

Courtesy Photo, State of Washington
Democrats in Washington Legislature reveal sweeping new tax plan

It cobbles together a range of hikes, including on businesses, capital gains and property

t
Permit requirement for gun purchases clears state Senate

The Legislature has never come closer to implementing the policy, which about 12 other states have in place.