Manhattan DA: Two Alleged Identity Thieves Indicted for Stealing Approximately $100K Each from Victims’ Accounts

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance landed himself a solid indictment yesterday. If the number of charges are actually any indication of how solid an indictment is, the 106 counts against Nefertit Garnett and 80 counts against Zoe Walmsely are very telling. Charged with Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, Identity Theft in the First Degree, Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree, Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, and Attempted Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, the defendants are each alleged to have stolen in excess of $100,000 from Chase bank using the identifying information of numerous people.

According to the press release:

“…the defendants conducted multiple bank transactions in their victims’ accounts, including withdrawals, deposits, and the cashing of forged checks. At least one of the victims was impersonated by both GARNETT and WALMSLEY, who each conducted fraudulent bank transactions using the same victim’s name. The investigation is continuing to determine whether there may be further connections between the two defendants.”

“GARNETT is charged with identity theft for impersonating at least seven individuals. She conducted at least 35 transactions involving her victims’ bank accounts between October 6, 2009 and March 30, 2010.”

“According to her indictment, WALMSLEY is charged with identity theft, for impersonating at least eight different victims. She conducted at least 28 transactions involving those victims’ accounts between February 24, 2009 and March 8, 2010.”

Grand Larceny in the Second Degree is a “C” felony punishable by up to 15 years in state prison. Identity Theft if the First Degree, Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree and Attempted Grand Larceny in the Second Degree are each “D” felonies punishable by up to 7 years in state prison. Scheme to Defraud is an “E” felony punishable by up to 4 years in state prison. For further information on these crimes follow the highlighted links. For additional information on other Penal Law offenses as well as recent legal decisions and case in the news, please go to the New York Criminal Lawyer Blog at NewYorkCriminalLawyerBlog.Com

Saland Law PC is a New York criminal defense firm representing clients throughout out the New York City region. Jeremy Saland, one of the two former Manhattan prosecutors who founded the firm, served in the Identity Theft Unit Major Case Section, the predecessor of the current Cyber Crime and Identity Theft Bureau.

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