Colorado Woman Indicted for Bank Fraud

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Colorado woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly falsifying her spouse’s employment status on a bank loan application and thereafter receiving funds.

Sandra Artichoker, age 51, was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 5, 2012, for Bank Fraud. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on June 11, 2012, and pleaded not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 30 years' imprisonment and/or a $1,000,000 fine. The charge is merely an accusation, and Artichoker is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case. Artichoker was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not yet been set.