A Florissant, Missouri man has been sentenced to 26 months in federal prison for his involvement in a check washing scheme at an Illinois bank. Quentin T. Gandy, Jr., aged 22, entered a guilty plea in October to charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe commented on the case stating, "When criminals steal checks from the mail, commit fraud by washing the check and print fake copies, real people are victimized." She acknowledged the U.S. Postal Inspection Service's role in dismantling this fraudulent operation.
Court documents revealed that Gandy received checks from conspirators who had stolen them from the mail. These conspirators used genuine checks to create counterfeit versions with forged signatures. Gandy attempted to deposit $48,200 worth of these counterfeit checks into his bank account located in O’Fallon, Illinois.
Ruth M. Mendonça, Inspector in Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service stated: "The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to defending the nation’s mail system from criminal activity, preserving the integrity of the U.S. Mail, and protecting United States Postal Service employees." She expressed appreciation for law enforcement partners supporting their mission.
The investigation was led by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Howard.