Bank Fraud Ring

⏱ 2 min read

A 24-year-old Boston woman, Trinity Antonetty, has pleaded guilty to her role in a bank fraud ring that targeted a Massachusetts bank. Between July and October 2024, Antonetty opened a business bank account and allowed Phalentz Vernot to deposit fraudulently obtained cashier’s checks into the account. When the bank froze one of the checks, Antonetty lied to the bank, claiming she operated a high-end car dealer. The scheme was part of a larger investigation into a multi-million-dollar bank fraud operation in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

Antonetty’s guilty plea came after Vernot and five other men were charged in July 2025, and two additional people were charged earlier this month. Vernot himself pleaded guilty on December 17, 2025. The investigation was led by the FBI, with assistance from the Connecticut State Police and other local law enforcement agencies.

The charge of bank fraud carries a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of $1 million or twice the gross gain or loss. Antonetty’s sentencing is scheduled for August 18, 2026. The case was announced by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Special Agents in Charge Ted E. Docks and P.J. O’Brien.

The guilty plea is the latest development in a complex investigation into a widespread bank fraud scheme. The scheme involved the use of shell companies and fake businesses to deposit and withdraw fraudulent funds from banks in multiple states.