Georgia Man Sentenced for $70,000 Credit Union Heist

BANK FRAUD IN WHEELING: Brandon Rayshawn Watkins, 30, of Douglasville, Georgia, was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison for bank fraud.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Watkins made unauthorized transactions from accounts at Bayer Heritage Federal Credit Union in New Martinsville. Watkins obtained the personal identifying information and account numbers for numerous credit union customers, withdrawing cash from those accounts.

The scope of Watkins’ crime was far-reaching, with similar acts committed in South Carolina. The loss related to his criminal acts was a staggering $70,000.

As part of his sentence, Watkins was ordered to pay $70,750 in restitution to Bayer Heritage Federal Credit Union and a personal money judgment of $10,050. He will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government, while the case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided over the case, bringing a measure of justice to the victims of Watkins’ crimes.

Watkins’ sentence brings an end to a long and complex investigation, one that highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting personal financial information.