Bronx Man Charged With Bank Fraud And Aggravated Identity Theft

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Rodriguez, age 62, of Bronx, New York, was indicted on May 28, 2024, by a federal grand jury on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that in December of 2023, Rodriguez utilized false identification documents to withdraw and attempt to withdraw roughly $50,000 from customer accounts at multiple banks throughout Lycoming, Tioga, and Centre Counties. The indictment also alleges that Rodriguez unlawfully possessed means of identification of at least four bank customers in connection with the fraudulent scheme.

This matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service (USSS).  Assistant United States Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for the bank fraud offense is 30 years of imprisonment, 5 years of supervised released, and a $1,000,000 fine.  The aggravated identity theft offense imposes an additional 2-year term of imprisonment.  A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

# # #