Orlando Woman Convicted of Bank Fraud and Identity Theft Charges

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Yesterday, a federal trial jury convicted Tanzania Miller, 38, of Orlando, Florida, of conspiracy, four counts of bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft.  The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

At trial, the government presented evidence that, between December 2013 and March 2014, Miller conspired with others to steal money from banks by depositing stolen checks and making withdrawals against them.  In this scheme, Miller found people willing to sell their Facebook account to her.  The Facebook user’s friends were then asked if they wanted to make money by providing a bank account number and a debit card.  Stolen, forged checks were then deposited into the Facebook friend’s bank account, followed by quick cash withdrawals or purchases using the debit card.  In all, the scheme resulted in more than $55,000 in forged check deposits and $35,000 in withdrawals.

Miller faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for each bank fraud and conspiracy count and a mandatory minimum term of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft.  Sentencing has been scheduled for December 18, 2015, at 1:00 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida.  The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason S. Beaton.

The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.  The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States.  To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website.  For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

For more information, contact:
Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer
(850) 216-3854, amy.alexander@usdoj.gov