Introduction to Crime and Courts
The United States has seen its fair share of crimes, from petty thefts to large-scale fraud schemes. Recently, federal prosecutors charged four men with stealing checks from the mail and cashing in more than $50 million after altering the names and dollar amounts written on those checks.
The Scheme
The four men allegedly deposited the altered checks at banks using the altered names and dollar amounts on the once legitimate checks. Other stolen checks were sold on a messaging platform dubbed “White House Vibez," U.S. Postal Inspectors said. Investigators say the scheme stretched from New York to Florida, New Jersey to Texas.
Arrests and Charges
Suspect Michael Pena, originally of Woodridge, New Jersey, was arrested in New York and charged with numerous counts including wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and identity theft. Another suspect, Joshua Gutierrez from New York, was arrested in Florida. Postal Inspectors said two others, Harrington Delahoz and Jaysen Dorsey — both from Manhattan — remain at large.
Federal prosecutors say Harrington Delahoz and Jaysen Dorsey remain at large and are wanted in connection with the alleged fraud scheme.
The Investigation
US Attorney Jay Clayton said it was “…a massive, multimillion dollar scheme to steal innocent victims money. The defendants obtained real checks, including from the mail, forged the checks, falsified identities, sold the checks to others and took advantage of multiple financial institutions.” Officials said the scheme has been running since April 2023. Numerous stolen checks were posted on the messaging platform for sale – and buyers were offered fake identifications that included social security numbers to help them cash the stolen and altered checks, investigators said.
The Consequences
“Let today’s arrest serve as an example for those trying to make quick money while financially preying on the American public, Postal Inspectors will put an end to your criminal enterprise,” said USPIS Acting Inspector-In-Charge Edward Gallashaw. The defendants’ lawyers were not immediately known and calls to their listed homes for comment were not immediately returned. Using stolen personal information, the suspects allegedly were able to learn how much money was in an account before altering the check to steal the money, investigators said.
Evidence and Charges
Images in the criminal complaint allegedly show suspects like Pena withdrawing stolen money from the bank. Pena was first arrested in Lowndes County, Georgia on state identity theft charges and his cell phone allegedly helped to link him to the larger nationwide theft ring. Officials said they have images of the other suspects also depositing “…numerous fraudulent checks at financial institutions…” The suspect could face a maximum of 30 years in prison on the top federal counts if convicted.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the scheme to steal checks from the mail and cash in more than $50 million is a serious crime that affects many innocent victims. The investigation and arrests of the suspects are a step towards justice, and the consequences of their actions will be severe if they are convicted.
FAQs
Q: What was the scheme about?
A: The scheme involved stealing checks from the mail, altering the names and dollar amounts, and depositing them at banks or selling them on a messaging platform.
Q: How much money was stolen?
A: The suspects allegedly stole more than $50 million.
Q: Who were the suspects?
A: The suspects were Michael Pena, Joshua Gutierrez, Harrington Delahoz, and Jaysen Dorsey.
Q: What were the charges against the suspects?
A: The charges included wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and identity theft.
Q: What is the maximum prison sentence the suspects could face if convicted?
A: The suspects could face a maximum of 30 years in prison on the top federal counts if convicted.
