A Rochester woman, Jessica Stadt, 43, has been charged with wire fraud and access device fraud, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced. These charges carry a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani stated that the investigation of Stadt began in March 2023. Stadt allegedly orchestrated a gift card fraud scheme, acquiring gift cards under the guise of using them to aid disadvantaged children and communities. Instead, she sold the cards through Facebook Messenger at less than their actual value, with the implication that the funds would benefit charity. Buyers paid Stadt through her personal Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App accounts.
A total of approximately 607 gift cards were involved, causing a loss of around $88,882.60 to businesses like Wegmans, Youth Advocate Programs, and other non-profit organizations in the Rochester area.
Stadt made her initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was released under specific conditions.
The complaint resulted from a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, led by Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under Sheriff Todd Baxter.
U.S. authorities remind the public that charges are merely accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.