Tessa M. Gorman, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington
Amber Towndrow, a key figure in a nationwide bank fraud and identity theft operation, has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller after Towndrow's appearance in the U.S. District Court in Seattle. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend a prison sentence not exceeding eight years for Towndrow when she appears before U.S. District Judge Jamal N. Whitehead on June 12, 2025.
Towndrow, along with coconspirator Darby Canfield, was indicted in April 2024 for their roles in defrauding at least 19 victims across the United States. The scheme involved acquiring personal identifying information to open business accounts linked to existing personal savings accounts of victims at various financial institutions.
In Western Washington and other states including Colorado, Pennsylvania, California, New Jersey, Indiana, and Washington D.C., Towndrow utilized false identification documents such as driver's licenses and passports to facilitate the fraudulent activities. Money was transferred from personal accounts to newly opened business accounts using these falsified credentials.
The plea agreement outlines specific instances of fraud conducted by Towndrow. One such case involved an Illinois victim whose identity was used to create a company registered in Colorado. Towndrow then opened a business banking account under this fake company name at a Chase branch in Seattle and transferred $131,709 from the victim's account into it.
Similarly fraudulent activity occurred with another victim residing in Texas who lost $75,000 through similar tactics employed by Towndrow and her associates.
Overall, Towndrow admitted responsibility for opening at least 50 fraudulent business bank accounts with an aim to acquire $1.4 million; she successfully obtained $664,000.
Bank fraud-related charges carry potential penalties of up to 30 years imprisonment while money laundering can result in up to 20 years behind bars; aggravated identity theft mandates a minimum two-year consecutive sentence.
This case is under investigation by multiple agencies including The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Diplomatic Security Service as well as the Seattle Police Department with Assistant United States Attorney Sean Waite leading prosecution efforts.
