SCRANTON, PA – Jose Rodriguez, a 62-year-old resident of the Bronx, New York, has been formally indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, as announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
The indictment, issued on May 28, 2024, charges Rodriguez with using false identification documents to fraudulently withdraw and attempt to withdraw approximately $50,000 from multiple bank accounts. These alleged illegal activities took place across several counties including Lycoming, Tioga, and Centre in December of 2023.
Rodriguez is also accused of unlawfully possessing identification details of at least four bank customers, which he allegedly used to facilitate his fraudulent activities. The case has been thoroughly investigated by the United States Secret Service, reflecting the seriousness of the allegations.
Under federal law, the bank fraud charge carries a potential maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Additionally, the charge of aggravated identity theft adds a mandatory two-year imprisonment term to any other sentence imposed.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd. Sentencing, pending a guilty verdict, will consider the federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, with the final decision resting in the hands of the presiding judge.
