New Jersey Woman Indicted for Using Fraudulent Passport Card

BOSTON – A New Jersey was indicted today in federal court in Worcester for allegedly using a fraudulent passport card at a Shrewsbury credit union while attempting to withdraw money from a customer’s account.  

Elizabeth Clemente, 42, was indicted on one count each of forgery or false use of a passport and aggravated identity theft. Clemente was arraigned in federal court in Worcester earlier today. Clemente was charged by criminal complaint in January 2024. 

It is alleged that on Nov. 7, 2023, Police responded to a credit union in Shrewsbury where employees reported that Clemente allegedly attempted to withdraw money by impersonating a real credit union account holder, “Person #1.” While speaking with law enforcement, Clemente allegedly first identified herself “Heather.” When pressed for further identification information, Clemente allegedly provided the name of “Person #1”, however it is alleged that Clemente could not remember her date of birth or address. When further questioned, Clemente allegedly handed law enforcement a fraudulent U.S. Passport Card. The passport card bore Person #1’s name and actual date of birth, but contained Clemente’s photograph.

The charge of forgery or false use of a passport provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory 2-year prison term to be served consecutively, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Matthew O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office; and Shrewsbury Police Chief Kevin Anderson made the announcement today. Assistant United States Attorney Danial E. Bennett of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.