A man from Florissant, Missouri, has been sentenced to federal prison for his involvement in a scheme to deposit counterfeit checks at an Illinois bank. Quentin T. Gandy, Jr., aged 22, pleaded guilty in October to charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe commented on the case, stating: "When criminals steal checks from the mail, commit fraud by washing the check and print fake copies, real people are victimized." She expressed appreciation for the efforts made by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in dismantling this organized attempt to defraud banks.
Court documents revealed that Gandy received checks from uncharged conspirators who had stolen authentic checks from the mail. These conspirators used genuine account details to create counterfeit checks. Gandy was aware that these checks were fake with forged signatures and admitted to attempting to deposit $48,200 into his bank account located in O’Fallon, Illinois.
Ruth M. Mendonça, Inspector in Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which includes the St. Louis Field Office, stated: "The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to defending the nation’s mail system from criminal activity, preserving the integrity of the U.S. Mail, and protecting United States Postal Service employees." She emphasized their commitment to protecting the integrity of U.S. Mail with support from law enforcement partners.
The investigation was led by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Howard.
