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AUSA VICKIE E. LEDUC at 410-209-4885
December 4, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WOMAN WEARING WIGS TO IMPERSONATE BANK CUSTOMERS
INDICTED ON CHARGES OF BANK FRAUD AND IDENTITY THEFT
Over 30 Victims Allegedly Pickpocketed and $300,000 of Losses
Incurred in Bank Fraud Scheme
Greenbelt, Maryland - A federal grand jury indicted Carol Silva, age 54, of Boston, Massachusetts today for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft arising out of a scheme to defraud banks and obtain monies from bank account holders, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein.
According to court documents, from at least September 2005 to September 2006, bank account holders reported the theft of a wallet or purse through pickpocketing and/or purse-snatching, which occurred in supermarkets, stores, restaurants, on the streets, and from vehicles. The thefts occurred in Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia and Massachusetts. Investigation of the bank fraud scheme implicating Silva thus far has revealed that over 30 victims and their respective banks were the subject of thefts under this scheme which resulted in the loss of over $300,000.
According to the four-count indictment, from March through July 17, 2006, Silva and others pickpocketed victims and stole credit cards, checks, account numbers, driver’s licenses and social security cards. Silva allegedly used the stolen personal information to take monies from the victims’ bank accounts by impersonating the victim, sometimes using wigs, glasses and other accessories. On some occasions, Silva displayed a victim’s stolen personal information to bank personnel, often defrauding several branches of the bank on the same day or successive days.
Jacqueline Elaine Belim, age 46, of Capitol Heights, Maryland was indicted on November 20, 2006 on charges of bank fraud, aggravated identity fraud, credit card fraud and obstruction, arising out of the same scheme.
Silva and Belim face a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for bank fraud and a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence received, followed by one year of supervised release for aggravated identity theft.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the investigative work performed by the Montgomery County Department of Police, U.S. Secret Service Metro Area Fraud Task Force including the U.S. Secret Service, and Boston Police Department. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Glatfelter and Gina Simms, who are prosecuting the case.
This page last modified—November 20, 2006