Delon Roberson, Bank Identity Theft, Ohio 2023

Two Cleveland residents, Delon Roberson, 25, and Shameka Roberson, 26, are accused of defrauding banks out of at least $76,000 using fake identities and a network of recruited accomplices. Federal prosecutors say the pair orchestrated a months-long scheme targeting Key Bank through fraudulent check deposits and unauthorized withdrawals.

The indictment, filed in the Northern District of Ohio, charges both defendants with bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. According to U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon, the Robersons exploited the personal banking information of individuals lured into the operation, many of whom were contacted through Facebook. These recruits either opened new accounts or handed over their existing ATM and debit cards along with PINs.

Delon Roberson allegedly used social media to build a criminal network, funneling at least 138 fraudulent checks—totaling more than $159,000—into the accounts of unwitting participants. Once the checks cleared, the Robersons began siphoning off funds. Between May 2015 and April 2016, they withdrew at least $76,000 via ATM transactions and debit card purchases.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service led the investigation, uncovering digital footprints, check records, and transaction trails linking the Robersons to the fraud. Assistant United States Attorney Robert W. Kern is prosecuting the case, emphasizing that the scheme relied on deception, stolen identities, and systemic abuse of financial services.

If convicted, the court will determine the defendants’ sentence based on factors such as criminal history, role in the offense, and severity of the violation. While the statutory maximum penalties for these charges are severe, actual sentences may vary and are ultimately decided by a judge.

An indictment is not evidence of guilt. Delon Roberson and Shameka Roberson are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, where the government must meet its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.