A Houston bank teller has been slapped with hefty charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft after allegedly cashing in 95 tax refund checks worth a staggering $610,228.48.
Christina Ann Ramirez, 26, of Houston, was taken into custody yesterday and appeared in court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Frances H. Stacy.
The indictment alleges that Ramirez, who worked as a Wells Fargo Bank teller, used her position to cash the checks from May 2-25, 2012, using stolen identities to obtain the refunds.
If convicted, Ramirez faces up to 30 years imprisonment and a $1 million possible fine for bank fraud, as well as a mandatory two-year-term for aggravated identity theft, which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.
The investigation into Ramirez’s alleged crimes was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Hileman taking on the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. As such, Ramirez is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
The charges against Ramirez come as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in preventing financial crimes and protecting the integrity of our financial systems.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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