The former Chairman and CEO of Summit Bank, a Skagit County community bank, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to making a false entry in a report of an insured bank, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan. James E. Bishop, 70, of Mount Vernon, Washington, pleaded guilty to a criminal charge filed last week. In his plea agreement Bishop admits that between 2009 and 2011, Bishop and his son, who was the bank president, concealed from regulators the mounting number of loans that were in default. Summit bank was ultimately closed by state regulators and sold in May 2011. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Bishop must be sentenced to a term of imprisonment between 12 and 41 months or both sides can withdraw from the plea agreement. Sentencing is scheduled before Chief U.S. District Judge Marsha J. Pechman on November 15, 2013.
“Our economy depends on every bank following the rules. Banking rules protect individual depositors as well as our financial system,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan. “These defendants—both experienced bankers—took a myriad of steps to hide the true financial condition of Summit Bank from federal and state regulators.”
According to the records filed in the case, in 2005 James E. Bishop became CEO of Summit Bank and chairman of Summit Bank’s Board of Directors. His son, James E. Bishop, II, served as president of the bank, and both were significant shareholders in the bank. James E. Bishop, II has also been charged in the case. The younger Bishop served as president of Summit Bank from 2005-2011. According to the statement of facts in the plea agreement, the bank was required to file various reports with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) disclosing the loans the bank had made and the status of the loans. In his plea agreement, Bishop admits that between 2009 and 2011, he caused the bank to undertake financial transactions related to past due loans, which concealed the overdue loans in the quarterly reports that went to the FDIC, essentially hiding millions of dollars in loans that were past due and causing the bank to appear financially healthier than it actually was. For example, in one report on June 30, 2010, the bank reported past due loans of approximately $6 million in outstanding loans, payments on which were past due for 30 or more days. In truth, the bank had at least $13 million in outstanding loans, payments on which were past due for 30 or more days.
“When we put our money in a bank, we also place our trust in those who operate it,” said Special Agent in Charge Laura M. Laughlin of the FBI Seattle Office. “The FBI is committed to working with our partners to bring to justice those who would violate that trust.”
“We are pleased to join our law enforcement colleagues and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in announcing this guilty plea,” said Wade Walters, Special Agent in Charge of the Western Region FDIC Office of Inspector General. “We are committed to ensuring the integrity of the banking industry and are especially concerned when bank insiders abuse their positions of trust and attempt to deceive the regulators. It is fitting punishment that Mr. Bishop will be imprisoned, fined, and prohibited from participation in the affairs of any federally insured financial institution going forward.”
As part of a civil enforcement agreement entered with the FDIC, which is incorporated into the plea agreement, Bishop will pay $300,000 to the FDIC and agree to a lifetime prohibition from participating in the conduct of the affairs of any federally insured financial institution.
James E. Bishop, II is scheduled for a plea hearing on September 5, 2013.
The case was investigated by the FDIC Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG) and the FBI.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Diggs.
Showing posts with label Bank. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bank. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Monday, September 9, 2013
Elizabeth Man Indicted in String of Gunpoint Robberies of New Jersey Banks
NEWARK, NJ—A federal grand jury today returned an indictment charging an Elizabeth, New Jersey man with a series of gunpoint bank robberies throughout New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Claude Williams, 61, was charged with six bank robberies and two counts of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence when he was arrested in July 2012. Today’s indictment adds multiple counts, and Williams now faces one count of conspiracy to commit bank robbery, seven counts of bank robbery, one count of attempted bank robbery, and eight firearms counts in connection with the alleged robbery spree. Williams will be arraigned on the indictment on a date to be determined.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Between September 26, 2011 and July 30, 2012, Williams committed seven armed bank robberies and attempted to rob an eighth bank. He used a similar procedure for each robbery: after entering the bank armed with a handgun and wearing a bandana, hooded sweatshirt or jacket, and white gloves, Williams would vault over the counter and demand money from bank tellers at gunpoint.
Williams robbed, or attempted to rob, the following banks:
In several of the bank robberies, Williams sent a conspirator into the bank to case it shortly before he entered to commit the robbery.
Prior to the July 12, 2012 robbery, an unarmed, off-duty police officer was parked across from the Unity Bank. The officer observed Williams leave the bank, get into the rear of the getaway car, and crouch down to hide. After noting the license plate number, the officer followed the car.
After an unsuccessful attempt to elude the officer, the getaway car stopped. Williams got out of the car and pointed his gun at the officer, forcing the officer to leave the scene without apprehending Williams and his accomplice.
Later, on Friday, July 27, 2012 and Saturday, July 28, 2012, law enforcement observed Williams driving in the vicinity of a Unity Bank in Somerset, New Jersey. On July 30, 2012, law enforcement again observed Williams and accomplice Andrea Dorsey—who has since pleaded guilty to her involvement in some of the robberies—in the vicinity of the bank. Law enforcement stopped the car blocks from the bank and arrested Williams and Dorsey, finding a handgun and white gloves inside the car.
Each of the bank robbery charges carries a maximum potential penalty of 25 years in prison. The attempted bank robbery charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The first of the eight counts of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum penalty of seven years and a maximum of life in prison; each additional count carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 25 years and a maximum of life in prison. Each charge also carries a maximum $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Fishman praised special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford, with the investigation. He also thanked the Somerset County Prosecutors Office and the Middlesex Borough, Piscataway, Clifton, Metuchen, North Plainfield, and Plainfield Police Departments for their excellent work.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Osmar J. Benvenuto of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Claude Williams, 61, was charged with six bank robberies and two counts of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence when he was arrested in July 2012. Today’s indictment adds multiple counts, and Williams now faces one count of conspiracy to commit bank robbery, seven counts of bank robbery, one count of attempted bank robbery, and eight firearms counts in connection with the alleged robbery spree. Williams will be arraigned on the indictment on a date to be determined.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Between September 26, 2011 and July 30, 2012, Williams committed seven armed bank robberies and attempted to rob an eighth bank. He used a similar procedure for each robbery: after entering the bank armed with a handgun and wearing a bandana, hooded sweatshirt or jacket, and white gloves, Williams would vault over the counter and demand money from bank tellers at gunpoint.
Williams robbed, or attempted to rob, the following banks:
Date
|
Bank
|
Location
|
| September 26, 2011 | Financial Resources Federal Credit Union | Somerset, New Jersey |
| November 21, 2011 | Somerset Savings Bank | Somerville, New Jersey |
| February 27, 2012 | Provident Bank | Piscataway, New Jersey |
| April 17, 2012 | Provident Bank | Clifton, New Jersey |
| May 22, 2012 | Provident Bank | Piscataway, New Jersey |
| June 20, 2012 | Fulton Bank | Metuchen, New Jersey |
| July 12, 2012 | Unity Bank | Middlesex, New Jersey |
| July 30, 2012 | Unity Bank | North Plainfield, New Jersey |
In several of the bank robberies, Williams sent a conspirator into the bank to case it shortly before he entered to commit the robbery.
Prior to the July 12, 2012 robbery, an unarmed, off-duty police officer was parked across from the Unity Bank. The officer observed Williams leave the bank, get into the rear of the getaway car, and crouch down to hide. After noting the license plate number, the officer followed the car.
After an unsuccessful attempt to elude the officer, the getaway car stopped. Williams got out of the car and pointed his gun at the officer, forcing the officer to leave the scene without apprehending Williams and his accomplice.
Later, on Friday, July 27, 2012 and Saturday, July 28, 2012, law enforcement observed Williams driving in the vicinity of a Unity Bank in Somerset, New Jersey. On July 30, 2012, law enforcement again observed Williams and accomplice Andrea Dorsey—who has since pleaded guilty to her involvement in some of the robberies—in the vicinity of the bank. Law enforcement stopped the car blocks from the bank and arrested Williams and Dorsey, finding a handgun and white gloves inside the car.
Each of the bank robbery charges carries a maximum potential penalty of 25 years in prison. The attempted bank robbery charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The first of the eight counts of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum penalty of seven years and a maximum of life in prison; each additional count carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 25 years and a maximum of life in prison. Each charge also carries a maximum $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Fishman praised special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford, with the investigation. He also thanked the Somerset County Prosecutors Office and the Middlesex Borough, Piscataway, Clifton, Metuchen, North Plainfield, and Plainfield Police Departments for their excellent work.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Osmar J. Benvenuto of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Madison County Man Indicted for BancorpSouth Robbery
BIRMINGHAM—A federal grand jury today indicted a Madison
County man for the February 5 robbery of a Madison, Alabama bank,
announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and FBI Special Agent in
Charge Richard D. Schwein, Jr.
The indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges that Antonio LaShawn Drake, 27, robbed the BancorpSouth branch on Hughes Road of more than $5,000. Madison Police arrested Drake at a Huntsville residence the day of the robbery.
The bank robbery charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The FBI and Madison Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura D. Hodge is prosecuting the case.
The public is reminded that an indictment is only a charge. A defendant is presumed innocent, and it is the government’s responsibility to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges that Antonio LaShawn Drake, 27, robbed the BancorpSouth branch on Hughes Road of more than $5,000. Madison Police arrested Drake at a Huntsville residence the day of the robbery.
The bank robbery charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The FBI and Madison Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura D. Hodge is prosecuting the case.
The public is reminded that an indictment is only a charge. A defendant is presumed innocent, and it is the government’s responsibility to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Robbery of Bank of the West in Albuquerque
The FBI and Albuquerque Police Department are looking for
a man who robbed Bank of the West, 1422 Carlisle Blvd NE, in
Albuquerque, on Thursday, May 23, 2013.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his late 20s to late 30s, approximately 5’5” tall, with a medium build and brown goatee.
He wore a black baseball cap with a white bill, a red bandana around his neck, a black jersey with the word “Everlast” in yellow across the chest, a light long-sleeved shirt under the jersey, and dark short pants with white socks pulled up high.
Witnesses say the suspect entered the bank at approximately 1:46 p.m. He showed a teller a note and verbally demanded money.
The teller gave an undisclosed amount of money to the suspect, who was last seen heading toward Aspen Avenue NE.
Bank robbery is punishable by a 20-year prison sentence for each offense, and the penalty increases if a dangerous weapon is used in the commission of the crime.
Anyone with information about this bank robbery is asked to call the Albuquerque FBI Office at (505) 889-1300 (24 hours) or Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers, anonymously, at (505) 843-STOP.
The FBI may pay a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the suspect’s arrest and conviction.
Information about other bank robbers wanted by the FBI can be found at https://bankrobbers.fbi.gov.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his late 20s to late 30s, approximately 5’5” tall, with a medium build and brown goatee.
He wore a black baseball cap with a white bill, a red bandana around his neck, a black jersey with the word “Everlast” in yellow across the chest, a light long-sleeved shirt under the jersey, and dark short pants with white socks pulled up high.
Witnesses say the suspect entered the bank at approximately 1:46 p.m. He showed a teller a note and verbally demanded money.
The teller gave an undisclosed amount of money to the suspect, who was last seen heading toward Aspen Avenue NE.
Bank robbery is punishable by a 20-year prison sentence for each offense, and the penalty increases if a dangerous weapon is used in the commission of the crime.
Anyone with information about this bank robbery is asked to call the Albuquerque FBI Office at (505) 889-1300 (24 hours) or Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers, anonymously, at (505) 843-STOP.
The FBI may pay a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the suspect’s arrest and conviction.
Information about other bank robbers wanted by the FBI can be found at https://bankrobbers.fbi.gov.
Robbery of Bank of the West Inside Albuquerque Albertsons
The FBI and Albuquerque Police Department are investigating a bank
robbery that occurred at Bank of the West branch at 6600 Central Ave.
SW, inside Albertsons Market, on Saturday, May 25, 2013.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his late 20s to early 30s, approximately 5’9” to 6’ tall, with a medium to heavy build and a brown goatee.
He wore what appeared to be a gray ski cap with white stripes over a dark baseball cap, sunglasses, a navy blue T-shirt, blue jeans, and white sneakers.
The suspect appeared to be wearing a wig with curly auburn or maroon hair.
Witnesses said the suspect walked up to a teller at approximately 3:08 p.m. and presented a note that demanded money.
The teller handed over an undisclosed amount of money to the suspect, who left the supermarket and was last seen walking west.
Bank robbery is punishable by a 20-year prison sentence for each offense, and the penalty increases if a dangerous weapon is used in the commission of the crime.
Anyone with information about this bank robbery is asked to call the Albuquerque FBI Office at (505) 889-1300 (24 hours) or Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers, anonymously, at (505) 843-STOP.
The FBI may pay a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the suspect’s arrest and conviction.
Information about other bank robbers wanted by the FBI can be found at https://bankrobbers.fbi.gov.
Photos of the suspect are below.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his late 20s to early 30s, approximately 5’9” to 6’ tall, with a medium to heavy build and a brown goatee.
He wore what appeared to be a gray ski cap with white stripes over a dark baseball cap, sunglasses, a navy blue T-shirt, blue jeans, and white sneakers.
The suspect appeared to be wearing a wig with curly auburn or maroon hair.
Witnesses said the suspect walked up to a teller at approximately 3:08 p.m. and presented a note that demanded money.
The teller handed over an undisclosed amount of money to the suspect, who left the supermarket and was last seen walking west.
Bank robbery is punishable by a 20-year prison sentence for each offense, and the penalty increases if a dangerous weapon is used in the commission of the crime.
Anyone with information about this bank robbery is asked to call the Albuquerque FBI Office at (505) 889-1300 (24 hours) or Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers, anonymously, at (505) 843-STOP.
The FBI may pay a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the suspect’s arrest and conviction.
Information about other bank robbers wanted by the FBI can be found at https://bankrobbers.fbi.gov.
Photos of the suspect are below.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Robberies of PNC Bank Branch, Bank of America Branch in Washington, D.C.
On Monday, February 4, 2013 at 9:13 a.m., a female
subject walked into the PNC Bank located at 4249 Wisconsin Avenue NW in
Washington, D.C. The subject passed a note that demanded money to a bank
teller, obtained the money, departed the bank on foot toward Warren
Street (north), and then turned right (east).
At 9:28 a.m., the female subject entered the Bank of America located at 3401 Connecticut Avenue NW, in Washington, D.C. The subject asked the bank teller for cash and stated that she had a gun. The subject obtained money and then exited the bank.
The subject in both robberies is described as a female, possibly Hispanic, with dark hair, wearing dark sunglasses, a black puffy coat, black pants, black leather gloves, black scarf around her head, a white and black polka dotted scarf around her neck, and white tennis shoes. She was also described to have had a bandage on her nose or lip.
There was no weapon displayed at either robbery; however, at the Bank of America robbery the subject stated that she had a gun.
The FBI/MPD Violent Crimes Task Force is investigating these robberies and requests that anyone with information call the FBI at 202-278-2000 or MPD’s tipline at 202-727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the police department’s text tip line by text messaging 50411.
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact your
local FBI Office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate. You can
also submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov.
At 9:28 a.m., the female subject entered the Bank of America located at 3401 Connecticut Avenue NW, in Washington, D.C. The subject asked the bank teller for cash and stated that she had a gun. The subject obtained money and then exited the bank.
The subject in both robberies is described as a female, possibly Hispanic, with dark hair, wearing dark sunglasses, a black puffy coat, black pants, black leather gloves, black scarf around her head, a white and black polka dotted scarf around her neck, and white tennis shoes. She was also described to have had a bandage on her nose or lip.
There was no weapon displayed at either robbery; however, at the Bank of America robbery the subject stated that she had a gun.
The FBI/MPD Violent Crimes Task Force is investigating these robberies and requests that anyone with information call the FBI at 202-278-2000 or MPD’s tipline at 202-727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the police department’s text tip line by text messaging 50411.
Friday, February 1, 2013
San Diego Man Charged with Robbing Wells Fargo Bank
The FBI and San Diego Police Department (SDPD) are announcing the arrest of
Farhad Ahmad Aliyar, age 24, as a result of the investigation into the robbery
of the Wells Fargo Bank located at 9996 Scripps Ranch Boulevard in San Diego,
California, on Tuesday, January 29, 2013.
Aliyar was arrested on Tuesday, January 29, 2013, by SDPD officers following the robbery of the Wells Fargo Bank located at 9996 Scripps Ranch Boulevard in San Diego, California, that occurred at approximately 1:20 p.m.
Aliyar has been charged via a federal complaint with one count of violating Title 18, United States Code, 2113, bank robbery, case number 13MJ0354. According to the federal complaint, on Tuesday, January 29, 2013, at approximately 1:20 p.m., the Wells Fargo Bank located at 9996 Scripps Ranch Boulevard in San Diego, California, was robbed by an unknown male.
At the time of the robbery, an unknown male armed with a handgun approached the victim teller and verbally demanded money. The victim teller provided the robber a sum of money, which was placed in a backpack.
Witnesses observed the robber fleeing the bank in a grey-colored Chrysler 300 sedan. A search of the surrounding neighborhoods by responding SDPD officers located the vehicle at a nearby hotel. SDPD officers and detectives established a surveillance and subsequently observed the suspect get into a taxi cab and proceed to go south on I-15. A vehicle stop was conducted at which time Aliyar and another individual were detained.
Aliyar was transported to SDPD Headquarters where he was interviewed by an FBI agent and an SDPD detective who investigate bank robberies. According to the complaint, Aliyar confessed to the robbery of the Wells Fargo Bank. Aliyar also confessed to four other bank robberies and one attempted bank robbery over the course of approximately two months.
Aliyar is currently being detained at the Bureau of Prisons Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) in San Diego, California. Aliyar is expected to have his initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge on or about Thursday, January 31, 2013.
This case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of California, San Diego, California.
Anyone with information concerning this bank robbery is asked to contact the FBI at telephone number (858) 565-1255 or Crime Stoppers (888) 580-8477.
An arrest itself is not evidence that the defendant committed crimes charged. The defendant is presumed innocent until the government meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Aliyar was arrested on Tuesday, January 29, 2013, by SDPD officers following the robbery of the Wells Fargo Bank located at 9996 Scripps Ranch Boulevard in San Diego, California, that occurred at approximately 1:20 p.m.
Aliyar has been charged via a federal complaint with one count of violating Title 18, United States Code, 2113, bank robbery, case number 13MJ0354. According to the federal complaint, on Tuesday, January 29, 2013, at approximately 1:20 p.m., the Wells Fargo Bank located at 9996 Scripps Ranch Boulevard in San Diego, California, was robbed by an unknown male.
At the time of the robbery, an unknown male armed with a handgun approached the victim teller and verbally demanded money. The victim teller provided the robber a sum of money, which was placed in a backpack.
Witnesses observed the robber fleeing the bank in a grey-colored Chrysler 300 sedan. A search of the surrounding neighborhoods by responding SDPD officers located the vehicle at a nearby hotel. SDPD officers and detectives established a surveillance and subsequently observed the suspect get into a taxi cab and proceed to go south on I-15. A vehicle stop was conducted at which time Aliyar and another individual were detained.
Aliyar was transported to SDPD Headquarters where he was interviewed by an FBI agent and an SDPD detective who investigate bank robberies. According to the complaint, Aliyar confessed to the robbery of the Wells Fargo Bank. Aliyar also confessed to four other bank robberies and one attempted bank robbery over the course of approximately two months.
Aliyar is currently being detained at the Bureau of Prisons Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) in San Diego, California. Aliyar is expected to have his initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge on or about Thursday, January 31, 2013.
This case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of California, San Diego, California.
Anyone with information concerning this bank robbery is asked to contact the FBI at telephone number (858) 565-1255 or Crime Stoppers (888) 580-8477.
An arrest itself is not evidence that the defendant committed crimes charged. The defendant is presumed innocent until the government meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Kansas City Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Armed Robbery, Firearms Violations
KANSAS CITY, KS—A Kansas City, Missouri man has been
sentenced to 30 years for armed robbery and firearms violations, U.S.
Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Mark R. Davis, 35, Kansas City, Missouri, was convicted in a jury trial in October 2012 on one count of robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction.
Co-defendant Abasi Baker was convicted in a jury trial on 21 counts, including seven counts of robbery, seven counts of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction, and seven counts of brandishing a firearm during a robbery. He was sentenced to 164 years in federal prison.
The jury found Davis guilty of brandishing a .40 caliber Glock pistol while robbing the Radio Shack store at 6945 W. 7th Street in Overland Park on March 3, 2011. At the time, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of four prior felony convictions for robbery.
Grissom commended the following agencies and individuals for their work on the case: the FBI and the FBI Violent Crimes/Fugitive Task Force; the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office; the U.S. Attorney, Western District of Missouri; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department; the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department; the Overland Park Police Department; the Olathe Police Department; the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office; the St. Joseph, Missouri Police Department; the Lee’s Summit, Missouri Police Department; the Mission, Kansas Police Department; and assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead, who prosecuted the case.
Mark R. Davis, 35, Kansas City, Missouri, was convicted in a jury trial in October 2012 on one count of robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction.
Co-defendant Abasi Baker was convicted in a jury trial on 21 counts, including seven counts of robbery, seven counts of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction, and seven counts of brandishing a firearm during a robbery. He was sentenced to 164 years in federal prison.
The jury found Davis guilty of brandishing a .40 caliber Glock pistol while robbing the Radio Shack store at 6945 W. 7th Street in Overland Park on March 3, 2011. At the time, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of four prior felony convictions for robbery.
Grissom commended the following agencies and individuals for their work on the case: the FBI and the FBI Violent Crimes/Fugitive Task Force; the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office; the U.S. Attorney, Western District of Missouri; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department; the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department; the Overland Park Police Department; the Olathe Police Department; the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office; the St. Joseph, Missouri Police Department; the Lee’s Summit, Missouri Police Department; the Mission, Kansas Police Department; and assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead, who prosecuted the case.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Johnson County Man Sentenced on Bank Fraud Charges
KANSAS CITY, KS—A Johnson County man has been sentenced
to 15 months in federal prison on bank fraud charges, U.S. Attorney
Barry Grissom said today. In addition, he was ordered to pay a $5,000
fine.
Kevin M. Mahoney, 44, Stilwell, Kansas, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In his plea, he admitted he conspired with co-defendant Paul Hartfield and others to make false representations to lenders in order to fraudulently obtain funds from mortgage lenders.
Hartfield owned two businesses: Hart Investments Inc. and Diamond Mortgage, both in Overland Park, Kansas. Kevin Mahoney was a loan officer for Diamond Mortgage.
Hart Investments purchased depressed properties in order to rehabilitate them and sell them at a profit. Hart Investments obtained loans to rehabilitate homes on a “subject to appraisal” basis that allowed the company to withdraw money as rehabilitation progressed. Starting in October 2006, Hartfield stopped rehabilitating houses. Instead, Hartfield, Mahoney, and others made false representations to lenders in order to fraudulently obtain loan funds.
Mahoney made false statements on loan applications and submitted them to mortgage lenders to fraudulently obtain loan funds for the following properties: 11339 Sycamore Terrace, Kansas City, Missouri; 3401 Tauromee Avenue, Kansas, City, Kansas; 48 Z Lake Shore Drive, Lake Lotawana, Missouri; 58 T Lake Shore Drive, Lake Lotawana, Missouri; 4132 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, Missouri; and 3921 Wyoming Street, Kansas City, Missouri.
Co-defendants included:
Grissom commended the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service, the FDIC-Office of Inspector General, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble, and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Smith for their work on the case.
Kevin M. Mahoney, 44, Stilwell, Kansas, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In his plea, he admitted he conspired with co-defendant Paul Hartfield and others to make false representations to lenders in order to fraudulently obtain funds from mortgage lenders.
Hartfield owned two businesses: Hart Investments Inc. and Diamond Mortgage, both in Overland Park, Kansas. Kevin Mahoney was a loan officer for Diamond Mortgage.
Hart Investments purchased depressed properties in order to rehabilitate them and sell them at a profit. Hart Investments obtained loans to rehabilitate homes on a “subject to appraisal” basis that allowed the company to withdraw money as rehabilitation progressed. Starting in October 2006, Hartfield stopped rehabilitating houses. Instead, Hartfield, Mahoney, and others made false representations to lenders in order to fraudulently obtain loan funds.
Mahoney made false statements on loan applications and submitted them to mortgage lenders to fraudulently obtain loan funds for the following properties: 11339 Sycamore Terrace, Kansas City, Missouri; 3401 Tauromee Avenue, Kansas, City, Kansas; 48 Z Lake Shore Drive, Lake Lotawana, Missouri; 58 T Lake Shore Drive, Lake Lotawana, Missouri; 4132 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, Missouri; and 3921 Wyoming Street, Kansas City, Missouri.
Co-defendants included:
- Paul Hartfield, who was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $2.6 million restitution.
- Brian D. Jaimes, who was sentenced to 24 months.
Grissom commended the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service, the FDIC-Office of Inspector General, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble, and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Smith for their work on the case.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Essex County Man Sentenced to 207 Months in Prison for Robbing 10 Banks
TRENTON, NJ—An Essex County, New Jersey man was sentenced
to 207 months in prison for federal bank robbery charges and discharge
of a firearm in connection with bank robbery, United States Attorney
Paul J. Fishman announced.
Maurice Richardson, 43, of Irvington, New Jersey, was arrested December 1, 2010, by officers of the Old Bridge Police Department. He previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan in Trenton federal court to counts 12 and 13 of the 13-count indictment charging him with robbing a Capital One Bank branch and assaulting people during the course of the robbery.
Richardson also admitted nine additional bank robberies, for a total of 10, as follows:
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Richardson entered the banks and gave notes to the tellers, which variously demanded money in large bills, stated that he had a gun, and threatened he would shoot the tellers if they did not comply. Witnesses at some of the robberies observed the defendant leaving the crime scenes in a burgundy SUV.
On December 1, 2010, a Marlboro Police officer observed a burgundy Chevrolet Suburban with tinted windows entering Route 9 North from a street adjacent to the Capital One Bank’s parking lot. After an approximately one-mile pursuit, the vehicle struck a concrete wall in Sayreville, New Jersey, and came to a stop. Richardson was apprehended when he got out of the SUV and attempted to flee. A 9mm bullet was found in the vehicle, and a 9mm handgun was found after a search of the area near where Richardson crashed. It was the third time he had robbed the same bank branch in less than two years.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Sheridan sentenced Richardson fo three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of $50,646.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge David Velazquez in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentence. He also thanked the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, the Old Bridge Police Department, Sayreville, Police Department, Marlboro Police Department, Howell Police Department, Morris Township Police Department, Rahway Police Department, Nutley Police Department, Hasbrouck Heights Police Department, and Paramus Police Department for their roles in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Joseph Gribko of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
Maurice Richardson, 43, of Irvington, New Jersey, was arrested December 1, 2010, by officers of the Old Bridge Police Department. He previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan in Trenton federal court to counts 12 and 13 of the 13-count indictment charging him with robbing a Capital One Bank branch and assaulting people during the course of the robbery.
Richardson also admitted nine additional bank robberies, for a total of 10, as follows:
| Date | Bank | Location (New Jersey) |
|---|---|---|
| December 14, 2007 | Commerce Bank | Morris Township |
| May 31, 2008 | Commerce Bank | Rahway |
| July 27, 2008 | Commerce Bank | Nutley |
| September 28, 2008 | Commerce Bank | Nutley |
| April 6, 2009 | Capital One Bank | Marlboro |
| December 21, 2009 | Capital One Bank | Marlboro |
| July 3, 2010 | Capital One Bank | Hasbrouck Heights |
| August 6, 2010 | Howell | |
| September 1, 2010 | Capital One Bank | Paramus |
| December 1, 2010 | Capital One Bank | Marlboro |
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Richardson entered the banks and gave notes to the tellers, which variously demanded money in large bills, stated that he had a gun, and threatened he would shoot the tellers if they did not comply. Witnesses at some of the robberies observed the defendant leaving the crime scenes in a burgundy SUV.
On December 1, 2010, a Marlboro Police officer observed a burgundy Chevrolet Suburban with tinted windows entering Route 9 North from a street adjacent to the Capital One Bank’s parking lot. After an approximately one-mile pursuit, the vehicle struck a concrete wall in Sayreville, New Jersey, and came to a stop. Richardson was apprehended when he got out of the SUV and attempted to flee. A 9mm bullet was found in the vehicle, and a 9mm handgun was found after a search of the area near where Richardson crashed. It was the third time he had robbed the same bank branch in less than two years.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Sheridan sentenced Richardson fo three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of $50,646.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge David Velazquez in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentence. He also thanked the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, the Old Bridge Police Department, Sayreville, Police Department, Marlboro Police Department, Howell Police Department, Morris Township Police Department, Rahway Police Department, Nutley Police Department, Hasbrouck Heights Police Department, and Paramus Police Department for their roles in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Joseph Gribko of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery Spree
ALBUQUERQUE—This morning, Oscar Marquez, 22, of
Albuquerque, New Mexico, pled guilty to four counts of Hobbs Act
robbery and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence and
admitted robbing four Albuquerque-area businesses at gunpoint during a
two-week period. Marquez’s guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney
Kenneth J. Gonzales and Special Agent in Charge Carol K.O. Lee of the
Albuquerque Division of the FBI.
Marquez was charged in an eight-count indictment with four counts of violating the Hobbs Act by interfering with a business involved in interstate commerce by robbery and four counts of using a firearm during and in furtherance of a crime of violence. The indictment, which was filed in October 2012, also charged co-defendant, Rebecca Aguilar, 25, of Albuquerque, with aiding and abetting one of the robberies.
The indictment charged Marquez with robbing the following four Albuquerque-area businesses: the Captain D’s Restaurant on May 28, 2012 (count one); a Cricket Wireless Store on May 29, 2012 (count three); a King Wireless Store on June 7, 2012 (count five); and another Cricket Wireless Store on June 9, 2012 (count seven). Counts two, four, six, and eight charged Marquez with using a firearm during each of the four robberies. According to the indictment, Marquez discharged his firearm during the May 29, 2012 and June 9, 2012 robberies, and Aguilar allegedly participated in the May 9, 2012 robbery.
During today’s proceedings, Marquez entered guilty pleas to counts three, five, six, and seven of the indictment and admitted robbing store clerks at three businesses at gunpoint between May 29 and June 9, 2012. Marquez also pled guilty to an information charging him with the armed robbery of a store clerk at an Albuquerque-area Game Stop on June 10, 2012.
Marquez has been in federal custody since October 17, 2012, and remains detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Marquez will be sentenced to 20 years in prison, and counts one, two, four, and eight of the indictment will be dismissed after he is sentenced.
Aguilar, who was arrested on October 15, 2012, has entered a not guilty plea to count seven of the indictment, the sole charge against her. The charge against Aguilar is only an accusation, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Aguilar is detained pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
This case was brought as part of a law enforcement initiative launched in July 2012, by the FBI’s Violent Crimes and Major Offender Squad and the Albuquerque Police Department’s Armed Robbery Unit that targets suspects implicated in commercial armed robberies. The new initiative is part of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this anti-violence initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.
The case was investigated by the Albuquerque Field Office of the FBI and the Albuquerque Police Department, with assistance from the District Attorney’s Office for the Second Judicial District of the State of New Mexico, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon K. Stanford.
Marquez was charged in an eight-count indictment with four counts of violating the Hobbs Act by interfering with a business involved in interstate commerce by robbery and four counts of using a firearm during and in furtherance of a crime of violence. The indictment, which was filed in October 2012, also charged co-defendant, Rebecca Aguilar, 25, of Albuquerque, with aiding and abetting one of the robberies.
The indictment charged Marquez with robbing the following four Albuquerque-area businesses: the Captain D’s Restaurant on May 28, 2012 (count one); a Cricket Wireless Store on May 29, 2012 (count three); a King Wireless Store on June 7, 2012 (count five); and another Cricket Wireless Store on June 9, 2012 (count seven). Counts two, four, six, and eight charged Marquez with using a firearm during each of the four robberies. According to the indictment, Marquez discharged his firearm during the May 29, 2012 and June 9, 2012 robberies, and Aguilar allegedly participated in the May 9, 2012 robbery.
During today’s proceedings, Marquez entered guilty pleas to counts three, five, six, and seven of the indictment and admitted robbing store clerks at three businesses at gunpoint between May 29 and June 9, 2012. Marquez also pled guilty to an information charging him with the armed robbery of a store clerk at an Albuquerque-area Game Stop on June 10, 2012.
Marquez has been in federal custody since October 17, 2012, and remains detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Marquez will be sentenced to 20 years in prison, and counts one, two, four, and eight of the indictment will be dismissed after he is sentenced.
Aguilar, who was arrested on October 15, 2012, has entered a not guilty plea to count seven of the indictment, the sole charge against her. The charge against Aguilar is only an accusation, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Aguilar is detained pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
This case was brought as part of a law enforcement initiative launched in July 2012, by the FBI’s Violent Crimes and Major Offender Squad and the Albuquerque Police Department’s Armed Robbery Unit that targets suspects implicated in commercial armed robberies. The new initiative is part of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this anti-violence initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.
The case was investigated by the Albuquerque Field Office of the FBI and the Albuquerque Police Department, with assistance from the District Attorney’s Office for the Second Judicial District of the State of New Mexico, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon K. Stanford.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Fulton Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Robbery, Admits Robbing Five Banks
JEFFERSON CITY, MO—David M. Ketchmark, Acting United
States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a
Fulton, Missouri man pleaded guilty in federal court today to bank
robbery, admitting that he had robbed banks in Sedalia, Chillicothe,
Cuba, Moberly, and Rolla, Missouri.
John David Farnell, 61, of Fulton, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matt J. Whitworth to the charge contained in a June 9, 2010 federal indictment. Farnell is currently serving a federal prison sentence in a separate bank robbery case that was prosecuted in the Eastern District of Missouri.
Farnell pleaded guilty to stealing $11,540 from Excel Bank in Sedalia, Missouri, on August 10, 2009. Farnell entered the bank carrying a green gym bag in his left hand and immediately approached a teller. He set the bag on the counter, retrieved a black handgun that had a long barrel and wooden grip, pointed it at the teller, and instructed her not to make a sound. He told the teller to give him 20s, 50s, and 100s. The teller pulled the bills out of her drawer and put them on the counter. Farnell instructed the teller not to make a sound or move again and then walked down to another window.
Farnell approached a second teller counter. He again placed the bag on the counter, displayed the gun, and stated, “I want all your 10s, 20s, 50s, 100s.” The second teller gave him all the loose bills, and Farnell asked, “Is that all?” The second teller responded, “No, I’m sorry,” and gave him the bundled 10s and the 20s. Farnell exited the bank through the front doors, got into a white minivan, and left.
On April 29, 2010, the First Community National Bank in Cuba was robbed. At approximately 11 a.m., a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper stopped Farnell, who was traveling in a van that matched the description of the suspect vehicle involved in the bank robbery. During a search of the van, a Ruger .357 magnum revolver was recovered, as well as U.S. currency.
Farnell admitted to law enforcement officers that he committed the robbery in Cuba and the robbery in Sedalia, as well as robbing BTC Bank in Chillicothe on February 24, 2012. Farnell stated that he committed the robberies because of financial reasons and admitted that he used the .357 magnum revolver recovered from his van during all of the robberies.
In a separate case, Farnell was sentenced in the Eastern District of Missouri on March 9, 2012, to 13 years and six months in federal prison without parole. Farnell pleaded guilty in that case to robbing First Community National Bank in Cuba, Commerce Bank in Moberly (on March 13, 2009) and Town & Country Bank in Rolla (on December 18, 2009). He also pleaded guilty in that case to one count of possessing a firearm in connection with a crime of violence.
Under federal statutes, Farnell is subject to a sentence of up to 25 years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $250,000. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Lynn. It was investigated by the FBI, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the police departments of Sedalia, Chillicothe, El Dorado Springs, Rolla, and Cuba, Missouri.
This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, is available on line at http://www.justice.gov/usao/mow/index.html.
John David Farnell, 61, of Fulton, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matt J. Whitworth to the charge contained in a June 9, 2010 federal indictment. Farnell is currently serving a federal prison sentence in a separate bank robbery case that was prosecuted in the Eastern District of Missouri.
Farnell pleaded guilty to stealing $11,540 from Excel Bank in Sedalia, Missouri, on August 10, 2009. Farnell entered the bank carrying a green gym bag in his left hand and immediately approached a teller. He set the bag on the counter, retrieved a black handgun that had a long barrel and wooden grip, pointed it at the teller, and instructed her not to make a sound. He told the teller to give him 20s, 50s, and 100s. The teller pulled the bills out of her drawer and put them on the counter. Farnell instructed the teller not to make a sound or move again and then walked down to another window.
Farnell approached a second teller counter. He again placed the bag on the counter, displayed the gun, and stated, “I want all your 10s, 20s, 50s, 100s.” The second teller gave him all the loose bills, and Farnell asked, “Is that all?” The second teller responded, “No, I’m sorry,” and gave him the bundled 10s and the 20s. Farnell exited the bank through the front doors, got into a white minivan, and left.
On April 29, 2010, the First Community National Bank in Cuba was robbed. At approximately 11 a.m., a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper stopped Farnell, who was traveling in a van that matched the description of the suspect vehicle involved in the bank robbery. During a search of the van, a Ruger .357 magnum revolver was recovered, as well as U.S. currency.
Farnell admitted to law enforcement officers that he committed the robbery in Cuba and the robbery in Sedalia, as well as robbing BTC Bank in Chillicothe on February 24, 2012. Farnell stated that he committed the robberies because of financial reasons and admitted that he used the .357 magnum revolver recovered from his van during all of the robberies.
In a separate case, Farnell was sentenced in the Eastern District of Missouri on March 9, 2012, to 13 years and six months in federal prison without parole. Farnell pleaded guilty in that case to robbing First Community National Bank in Cuba, Commerce Bank in Moberly (on March 13, 2009) and Town & Country Bank in Rolla (on December 18, 2009). He also pleaded guilty in that case to one count of possessing a firearm in connection with a crime of violence.
Under federal statutes, Farnell is subject to a sentence of up to 25 years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $250,000. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Lynn. It was investigated by the FBI, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the police departments of Sedalia, Chillicothe, El Dorado Springs, Rolla, and Cuba, Missouri.
This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, is available on line at http://www.justice.gov/usao/mow/index.html.
Two Texas Women Sentenced for Armed Bank Robbery
GULFPORT, MI—Evie Mearlene Herrin, 58, and her daughter,
Amelia Darci Crew, 30, of Cleveland, Texas, were sentenced in federal
court today for the March 2012 armed bank robbery of the Regions Bank on
Highway 49 in Gulfport, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, FBI
Special Agent in Charge Daniel McMullen, and Gulfport Police Chief Alan
Weatherford.
Herrin was sentenced to 70 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release; and Crew was sentenced to 46 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Both defendants were also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Gulfport Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ruth Morgan.
Herrin was sentenced to 70 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release; and Crew was sentenced to 46 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Both defendants were also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Gulfport Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ruth Morgan.
FBI Seeks Public’s Assistance in Identifying ‘Dynomite’ Bandit
PHOENIX, AZ—Phoenix FBI Special Agent in Charge James L. Turgal, Jr.
announced the FBI’s Bank Robbery Task Force is seeking the public’s
assistance in identifying a bank robbery suspected dubbed the “Dynomite”
Bandit.
The crimes are being perpetrated by a white male that may be working with an accomplice. Typically, the modus operandi for the suspect is to gain entry to the banking institution after normal business hours through a hole cut in the roof. The suspect then places a device believed to be an explosive inside the bank and exits undetected. The following morning when the bank opens, the suspect calls the bank and makes a demand for money and threatens to blow up the bank if his demands are not met.
The first incident occurred in Peoria on July 3, 2012, at the Chase Bank located at 28523 N. El Mirage Road; the second incident occurred in Maricopa County on December 21, 2012, at the Wells Fargo Bank located at 39422 N. Daisy Mountain; and the last incident occurred on January 2, 2013, at the Chase Bank located at 10011 E. Dynamite in Scottsdale.
There is a strong possibility that this current series may be related to another robbery series dubbed “Thou Shalt Not Steal.” Currently, there is a $15,000 reward being offered for information leading to an arrest.
The FBI Bank Robbery Task Force (BRTF) is comprised of the Phoenix Police Department, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mesa Police Department. The BRTF is coordinating its investigation with the Peoria Police Department and the Scottsdale Police Department.
Anyone with information regarding the identity of the Dynomite Bandit, please contact the FBI at (623) 466-1366 or online at www.BanditTrackerArizona.com.
A photo and sketch of the suspect follow.
The crimes are being perpetrated by a white male that may be working with an accomplice. Typically, the modus operandi for the suspect is to gain entry to the banking institution after normal business hours through a hole cut in the roof. The suspect then places a device believed to be an explosive inside the bank and exits undetected. The following morning when the bank opens, the suspect calls the bank and makes a demand for money and threatens to blow up the bank if his demands are not met.
The first incident occurred in Peoria on July 3, 2012, at the Chase Bank located at 28523 N. El Mirage Road; the second incident occurred in Maricopa County on December 21, 2012, at the Wells Fargo Bank located at 39422 N. Daisy Mountain; and the last incident occurred on January 2, 2013, at the Chase Bank located at 10011 E. Dynamite in Scottsdale.
There is a strong possibility that this current series may be related to another robbery series dubbed “Thou Shalt Not Steal.” Currently, there is a $15,000 reward being offered for information leading to an arrest.
The FBI Bank Robbery Task Force (BRTF) is comprised of the Phoenix Police Department, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mesa Police Department. The BRTF is coordinating its investigation with the Peoria Police Department and the Scottsdale Police Department.
Anyone with information regarding the identity of the Dynomite Bandit, please contact the FBI at (623) 466-1366 or online at www.BanditTrackerArizona.com.
A photo and sketch of the suspect follow.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Former Bank Employees Admit Embezzlement
Richard S. Hartunian, United States Attorney for the
Northern District of New York, and George L. Piro, Acting Special Agent
in Charge, Albany Division-Federal Bureau of Investigation, make the
following announcement:
Megan Horton, 54, of Owego, Tioga County, New York; and Gwenn Gooding, 43, also of Owego, Tioga County, New York, pled guilty today in United States District Court to the felony crime of bank embezzlement. Shannon Moore, 38, of Athens, Bradford County, Pennsylvania, previously pled guilty on December 21, 2012, in United States District Court to a similar felony crime of bank embezzlement. Horton, Gooding, and Moore were former employees of Chemung Canal Trust Company Bank (CCTC), located at 203 Main Street, Owego, New York.
In their pleas before Senior United States District Court Judge Thomas J. McAvoy, Horton, former branch manager; Gooding, former head teller; and Moore, a former teller, admitted that, between December 2004, and September 2011, they embezzled large sums of money from CCTC. Horton admitted stealing more than $200,000; Gooding admitted stealing more than $100,000; and Moore admitted stealing more than $25,000. The embezzlement was uncovered as a result of an audit of the CCTC bank branch following the Southern Tier flooding in September 2011.
Horton, Gooding, and Moore each face a maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of $1 million. Moore is scheduled to be sentenced on April 23, 2013; Gooding is scheduled to be sentenced on May 4, 2013; and Horton is scheduled to be sentenced on May 7, 2013.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Albany Field Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas P. Walsh. Further inquiries may be directed to the United States Attorney’s Office, Binghamton branch office, at (607) 773-2887.
Megan Horton, 54, of Owego, Tioga County, New York; and Gwenn Gooding, 43, also of Owego, Tioga County, New York, pled guilty today in United States District Court to the felony crime of bank embezzlement. Shannon Moore, 38, of Athens, Bradford County, Pennsylvania, previously pled guilty on December 21, 2012, in United States District Court to a similar felony crime of bank embezzlement. Horton, Gooding, and Moore were former employees of Chemung Canal Trust Company Bank (CCTC), located at 203 Main Street, Owego, New York.
In their pleas before Senior United States District Court Judge Thomas J. McAvoy, Horton, former branch manager; Gooding, former head teller; and Moore, a former teller, admitted that, between December 2004, and September 2011, they embezzled large sums of money from CCTC. Horton admitted stealing more than $200,000; Gooding admitted stealing more than $100,000; and Moore admitted stealing more than $25,000. The embezzlement was uncovered as a result of an audit of the CCTC bank branch following the Southern Tier flooding in September 2011.
Horton, Gooding, and Moore each face a maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of $1 million. Moore is scheduled to be sentenced on April 23, 2013; Gooding is scheduled to be sentenced on May 4, 2013; and Horton is scheduled to be sentenced on May 7, 2013.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Albany Field Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas P. Walsh. Further inquiries may be directed to the United States Attorney’s Office, Binghamton branch office, at (607) 773-2887.
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