Bank Thief Jorge Nova Pleads Guilty to $105,000 SSA Fraud

Newark, N.J. — The grimy details of a brazen bank fraud plot have been laid bare as Jorge Nova, 35, of Passaic, N.J., admitted to siphoning over $105,000 in Social Security retirement benefits from the account of a deceased customer, according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

Nova, who was employed at a Nutley, N.J.-based commercial bank, faced charges for wire fraud after he fraudulently obtained funds by causing debit cards to be issued in the name of the deceased. He also registered new accounts and withdrew money from a second bank account tied to the same victim.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) was left in the dark about the customer’s death, allowing retirement benefits to be deposited into the account for over four years. Nova’s fraudulent activities continued until October 2018.

Pledging guilty before U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin on April 17, 2024, Nova faces up to 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for his crime. Sentencing is set for Oct. 8, 2024.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger praised the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General for their role in the investigation that led to Nova’s guilty plea.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachelle M. Navarro of the Organized Crimes and Gang Unit in Newark.