Damani Brown, a former bank employee from Rochester, New York, has been arrested and charged with several crimes related to the illegal access of customer accounts. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that Brown faces charges including conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud, computer fraud, and bank fraud. These charges could result in a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire is handling the case. According to the criminal complaint, an investigation began when a local bank reported unauthorized access to approximately 12 customer accounts between July and August 2024. It was determined that Brown used his credentials as a bank employee to look up these accounts before they were accessed unlawfully.
Brown allegedly transferred about $477,000 from these accounts without customer consent or knowledge. The funds were moved into third-party accounts at the same bank and eventually withdrawn as cash or transferred via CashApp. Victims noticed the fraudulent activity within days and contacted the bank.
In January 2025, FBI investigators obtained a search warrant for Google Accounts linked to the thefts. They found verification emails containing one-time password codes and other notifications regarding online account activities such as updates, password resets, and freezes.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm's direction.
It is important to note that while Brown has been charged with these crimes, he remains innocent until proven guilty in court.
