The future of Emporia’s Hopkins Manufacturing operations is in question with past executives of its parent company now under federal indictment.
First Brands founder Patrick James and his brother, former First Brands senior executive Edward James, have been accused of deceiving several direct lenders and banks through several methods, including false collateral, multiple-pledged assets and misleading financial statements. Both are officially charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Patrick James has also been charged with managing a continuing financial crimes enterprise in connection with the other charged crimes.
In a connected case, Peter Andrew Brumbergs pleaded guilty in connection to the scheme and is cooperating with the federal government.
US Attorney Jay Clayton says the James brothers “obtained billions for First Brands — and millions for themselves — by presenting their lenders with the impression of a successful, growing international business. The indictment and guilty plea unsealed (Thursday) describe a very different reality: a business run through fraud, fake documents and false financials.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle Jr says the scheme involved double-and triple-pledged collateral, inflated invoices and falsified financial statements. Through a spokesperson, Patrick James said he is presumed innocent and denies the charges. An attorney for Edward James says his client “has conducted himself with integrity and dignity over decades of hard work.” The brothers say they are looking forward to presenting their cases in court.
Prosecutors say the fraud developed over at least seven years, bankrupting First Brands in September 2025. The company reported around $5 billion in net annual sales worldwide but also declared $12 million in cash for its corporate bank accounts along with over $9 billion in liabilities when if filed for protection.
Local officials say they cannot comment on the status of the plant. Hopkins has been based in Emporia since 1953 and has said it is the top seller of towing electrical products, snow and ice tools, vehicle cleaning products and fluid management tools in North America. The company had made several product acquisitions or company acquisitions per year for years before being absorbed into First Brands.
As of the latest report to the Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas, Hopkins employed around 160 employees at the start of this year.
