Bank Fraud Bust

⏱ 2 min read

Tracy L. Kellerstrass, a 51-year-old former escrow officer from Cameron, Missouri, has pleaded guilty to bank fraud after admitting to forging checks and stealing a whopping $460,415.84 from her former employer, Cameron Title Company. Kellerstrass worked at the company from 2018 to February 2024, using her position to access the company’s bank accounts and ledgers. She then used this access to forge the signature of another employee on company checks, depositing them into her personal account.

Kellerstrass’s scheme was uncovered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which worked with the US Attorney’s Office to bring her to justice. As part of her plea agreement, Kellerstrass will have to pay back the stolen money, with a forfeiture money judgment and restitution of $460,415.84.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Brown, with a sentencing hearing scheduled for July 22, 2026. Kellerstrass faces up to 30 years in federal prison without parole for her crime. The maximum sentence is a stark reminder of the seriousness of bank fraud and the consequences of getting caught.

Kellerstrass’s guilty plea is a victory for the FBI and the US Attorney’s Office, who have worked tirelessly to bring bank fraudsters to justice. It’s a reminder that white-collar crime will not be tolerated and that those who engage in it will be held accountable.