Eric Tyrone Bates, Jr. and Herbert Butler, Jr. Bank Fraud Pennsylvania 2013

A brazen bank fraud scheme in Pittsburgh has been busted, with two men facing serious jail time for their roles in the crime.

According to federal authorities, Eric Tyrone Bates, Jr., 27, and Herbert Butler, Jr., 27, conspired to steal bank account information from a Citizens Bank account holder in 2013. The duo used the stolen information to create new accounts at other banks, which they controlled, and made multiple withdrawals of cash.

But that’s not all – Bates is also charged separately with bank fraud in connection with another unauthorized access of a Citizens Bank account and subsequent withdrawals from the account. Some of the ill-gotten gains were used to buy high-end automobiles.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 35 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Western Pennsylvania Financial Crimes Task Force (WPFCTF) conducted the investigation that led to the indictment of Bates and Butler. The WPFCTF was established as a collaborative, multi-agency effort to effectively combat financial crimes, including identity fraud, in Western Pennsylvania.

An indictment is an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is leading the prosecution of this case. The Western Pennsylvania Financial Crimes Task Force, a multi-agency partnership, conducted the investigation that led to the indictment.

Bates and Butler could face significant prison time if convicted. The maximum sentence for the crimes is 35 years, along with a fine of $1,250,000.

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