Jose A. Rodriguez, a 63-year-old resident of Bronx, New York, has been sentenced to 32 months in prison for charges related to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. The sentencing took place on January 29, 2025, and was presided over by United States District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann.
The details of the case were provided by Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus. In December 2023, Rodriguez was transported from New York to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania by unidentified individuals who supplied him with false identifications. He was instructed to make withdrawals from victim bank accounts in exchange for a continuous supply of drugs.
Rodriguez executed seven fraudulent withdrawals across various financial institutions located in Lycoming, Tioga, and Centre Counties. Before his arrest during an attempted $8,000 withdrawal, he successfully withdrew a total of $42,000.
The investigation involved several law enforcement agencies including the U.S. Secret Service, the Lycoming Regional Police Department, the Williamsport Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd led the prosecution.
