DETROIT, MI – A 37-year-old former Chase Bank teller is facing federal charges after allegedly ripping off a vulnerable 90-year-old victim for at least $32,000. Alan Lee Hardy was indicted on one count of Bank Fraud, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Saima Mohsin Wednesday.
The alleged crime occurred in August 2016, while Hardy was employed at the Chase Bank branch located at 3300 E. Jefferson Ave. in Detroit. According to the indictment, Hardy made a single withdrawal of $32,000 from the victim’s account. To date, the victim has seen none of that money returned.
“Elders are among the most vulnerable members of our society,” Mohsin stated. “They are often seen as an easy target by those who seek to take advantage of them. My office is committed to bringing those who prey on our seniors to justice.” The case underscores a growing national trend of elder financial exploitation, with millions of Americans falling victim to theft and fraud each year.
The U.S. Secret Service, leading the investigation alongside the Novi Police Department, emphasized the seriousness with which they treat financial crimes targeting seniors. “The U.S. Secret Service is dedicated to ensuring the public remains confident in our country’s financial institutions and therefore takes cases of elder fraud incredibly seriously,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas Zloto. “These investigations can be time consuming, but law enforcement is committed to bringing individuals who take advantage of our seniors to justice.”
Novi Police Chief David Molloy highlighted the collaborative effort, stating, “The relationships the Novi Police Department has with our federal partners affords us additional resources in identifying and prosecuting those who prey on our most vulnerable population.” The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service and the Novi Police Department, with Assistant United States Attorney Mitra Jafary-Hariri and Chief of the White Collar Crimes Unit John Neal handling prosecution. Jafary-Hariri also serves as the Elder Justice Coordinator for the Eastern District of Michigan.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and Hardy is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The government bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a fair trial. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting the elderly from financial predators. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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