PHILADELPHIA - Jonathan Battles, 46, of Philadelphia, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for a bank fraud scheme involving stolen checks written by the City of Arlington, Texas. On May 5, 2010, a jury convicted Battles of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He was indicted with Tamika Booker and Angelique Torres for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud. Ms. Booker and Ms. Torres both pleaded guilty prior to trial.

Between March and July 2007, Ms. Torres, at Mr. Battles's request, stole more than $800,000 worth of checks that were due to vendors and employees of the City of Arlington. Also at Mr. Battles's request, Ms. Booker opened accounts in Philadelphia and deposited stolen checks into these accounts. The defendants withdrew more than $80,000 from these accounts.

In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Cynthia M. Rufe ordered Battles to pay restitution in the amount of $80,494, to pay a special assessment of $200, and to serve five years of supervised release. The Court ordered Battles to report to prison immediately.

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Ignall.

UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525

 

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