HOUSTON - Christina Ann Ramirez, 26, of Houston, has appeared in court today on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.
Ramirez surrendered to authorities yesterday and appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Frances H. Stacy.
The indictment alleges Ramirez used her position as a Wells Fargo Bank teller to cash approximately 95 tax refund checks that had been obtained by applying for refunds using stolen identities. Ramirez allegedly cashed the checks from May 2-25, 2012, which had a combined total of $610,228.48.
If convicted, she faces up to 30 years imprisonment and a $1 million possible fine for bank fraud as well as a mandatory two-year-term for aggravated identity theft which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.
The charges are the result of an investigation by Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Hileman is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
