Taylorsville Woman Charged With Bank Fraud, Identity Theft In Federal Indictment

 

Charges Allege She Used Identification Documents Belonging to Others to Withdraw Money or Attempt to Withdraw Money From Bank Accounts

            SALT LAKE CITY – A grand jury returned a 16-count indictment Wednesday afternoon charging Alisha Turnbow, age 32, of Taylorsville with bank fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with an alleged identity fraud scheme involving three financial institutions and the unlawfully obtained identities of four individuals.

            The indictment alleges Turnbow used stolen identification documents to make or attempt to make withdrawals using the accounts of other individuals on 12 occasions at Zions Bank, Chase Bank, and America First Credit Union. In some instances, she attempted to cash checks by presenting fraudulently signed checks drawn on accounts belonging to other people.

            For example, the indictment alleges that on Jan. 24, 2013, Turnbow attempted to withdraw $2,300 from a Zions Bank account using the identification of another person. The next day, she used the identification of another person to make $4,500 in withdrawals at three America First Credit Union branches. On Jan. 31, 2013, she attempted to cash a $2,000 check at Chase Bank. The conduct alleged in the indictment took place from about Jan. 24, 2013, through at least Feb. 8, 2013. 

            Turnbow is charged with 12 counts of bank fraud in the indictment.  The potential maximum penalty for each count of bank fraud is 30 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1 million. The indictment also includes four counts of aggravated identity theft.  Each identity theft count carries a potential two-year minimum mandatory sentence and a fine of up to $250,000.

            The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of $1,900 in cash the defendant had in her possession at the time of her arrest.  The indictment alleges the money constitutes proceeds from criminal conduct.

            The case is being prosecuted as a part of efforts by the Utah Identity Theft Task Force. 

            “Identity theft cases routinely involve transactions from several jurisdictions. Bringing them together in a single federal prosecution is an efficient use of resources in these times of tight budgets,” said U.S. Attorney David B. Barlow. “Combining the transactions into a single case also helps demonstrate the scope and impact of the alleged conduct.”    

            Turnbow is in state custody.  A federal warrant will be issued for her arrest and an initial appearance will be scheduled for her in federal court.

            Indictments are not findings of guilt.  Individuals charged in indictments are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in court.