Buffalo Woman Sentenced in Check Kiting Scheme

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Carlique Deberry, 35, who was convicted of bank fraud, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny to six months in a halfway house and three years supervised release.

                Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, Jr., who handled the case, stated that the defendant was part of a conspiracy to defraud local area banks by participating in a “check kiting” scheme.  Deberry opened bank accounts and deposited large checks into the accounts. The deposited checks were written on accounts that had insufficient funds or on accounts that had been closed.  Before the banks could determine that the checks were not supported by any funds, the defendant withdrew smaller amounts from the accounts. Although Deberry made away with only $130 from Key Bank, the intended loss amount was more than $20,000.

                Co-conspirators, Sade Heath, Sayonara Heath, Nichole Dean and Antwan Green have all been convicted.  Sade Heath and Sayonara Heath have been sentenced.  Dean and Green are awaiting sentencing.