Convictions for nonviolent crimes typically include fines, restitution and/or prison time. In Michigan and elsewhere, those accused of white collar crimes risk much more than their careers. After filing a guilty plea in such a case in a federal court sitting in another state, one individual could face up to 30 years behind bars.
Reportedly, the 35-year-old woman stole the personal information of over 300 people across the country, and then used the stolen identities to open fraudulent bank accounts. She funded these accounts with the required minimum cash deposits. Apparently, the woman’s then deposited large amounts into the accounts by using counterfeit corporate checks. It is further alleged that the defendant then made purchases, cash withdrawals or transfers of the portion of the funds that were made immediately available by the bank.
When the bank recognized the fraud and closed the account, the woman would move onto the next account, and do the same. The amount involved is apparently between $250,000 and $550,000. Agents also found that some of the fraudulent purchases the woman made were for methamphetamine after tracking a parcel sent to her post office box. Reportedly, a residential search yielded more meth along with additional evidence of bank fraud.
The woman pleaded guilty to single counts of aggravated identity theft, bank fraud and possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. White collar crimes typically involve dishonesty or cheating with complex webs of evidence. Anyone in Michigan who is accused of such crimes will need an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent them in state or federal proceedings.