A Rochester woman has been charged with defrauding local businesses and charities of significant sums through a fraudulent gift card scheme. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the charges against Jessica Stadt, 43, who is accused of wire fraud and access device fraud. The crimes carry a potential maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, involved in the case, detailed that the investigation into Stadt began in March 2023. Stadt allegedly acquired gift cards from Rochester area companies under the false assertion that they would aid disadvantaged communities. Contrary to her claims, Stadt reportedly sold these gift cards on Facebook Messenger for less than their value, suggesting to buyers that the proceeds would go to charity. The payments were directed to her personal Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App accounts.
Stadt is purported to have sold about 607 gift cards, resulting in a loss of approximately $88,883 to businesses including Wegmans, Youth Advocate Programs, and other non-profit entities.
Stadt made her initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was subsequently released under certain conditions. The charges arose from an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, led by Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Todd Baxter.
The legal proceeding underscores that charges are accusations, and Stadt is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
