Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty To Bank Fraud

Crime journalist’s exclusive: Barnesville, Pennsylvania’s Alexander Ortega has been hit with a guilty plea for bank fraud. The 36-year-old faces severe penalties after withdrawing over $34,000 in a fraudulent scheme that spanned just six weeks.

The U.S. Attorney Emily Gray Rice broke the news, naming Ortega as the defendant in this brazen financial crime. According to court filings and statements, between February 7, 2014, and March 13, 2014, Ortega exploited a New Hampshire bank account with counterfeit checks, siphoning funds totaling nearly $34,000.

Standing before United States District Judge Landya McCafferty, Ortega pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud on an Indictment returned by the Grand Jury on March 23, 2016. The defendant’s fraudulent activities were executed using certified bank checks and an ATM/Debit card associated with the account.

Set for sentencing on May 2, 2017, Ortega now awaits a penalty that will likely include significant fines and imprisonment. His scheme, while short-lived, has left a lasting impact on both financial institutions and law enforcement agencies alike.

The investigation was a collaborative effort, with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service leading the charge, supported by the Lebanon and Enfield, New Hampshire Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfred Rubega is tasked with prosecuting this case, ensuring that justice is served for the bank’s loss and the public trust.

As the grimy details of Ortega’s fraudulent activities come to light, it serves as a stark reminder of the lengths some will go to exploit financial systems for personal gain. The community awaits the outcome, hopeful for a swift and just conclusion to this white-collar crime.

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