Bank Analyst Stole Account Holder Info then Used it in Counterfeit Check Fraud Scheme

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Columbus, Ohio pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Sarah M. Wiley, 35, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, beginning in and around September, 2014, and continuing until in and around October, 2017, Sarah M. Wiley, as an analyst for JPMorgan Chase Bank, accessed without authorization personal identifiers, including names and Social Security numbers of JPMorgan Chase account holders. She then shared the information with her father, Karl Edward Wiley, who was indicted earlier in 2018 on charges of conspiracy to produce counterfeit identification documents and checks. Some of the counterfeit checks were negotiated at the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh. Karl Wiley is pending trial.

Judge Fischer scheduled the sentencing for July 25, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of seven years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Harrisburg and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Sarah M. Wiley.