Brandon Lamont Bell, Check Cashing Scheme, Georgia 2023

Atlanta, GA – An Atlanta resident has pleaded guilty to his role in a check cashing scheme targeting Publix grocery stores in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama.

Brandon Lamont Bell, 37, pleaded guilty to possession of counterfeit and unauthorized devices on June 23. Bell faces a maximum of ten years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.

Bell was remanded to federal custody at a petition for action on conditions of pretrial release hearing before U.S. District Judge Louis Sands today. Sentencing is scheduled for September 29.

The check cashing scheme involved Bell and other co-defendants targeting Publix Supermarkets in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. During a road check by the Georgia State Patrol and Tifton Police Department, officers found 114 fictitious checks printed with 19 genuine bank account routing numbers, a printer, and electric cords.

Inside the vehicle, officers also found nine counterfeit driver’s licenses and 18 VISA gift cards. Bell admitted that he possessed with the intent to defraud more than 15 counterfeit and unauthorized access devices.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, Georgia State Patrol, and the Tifton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit is prosecuting the case.

“Check cashing schemes using stolen bank information is not a minor offense—the harm it causes people and businesses can warrant federal prosecution and will not be ignored by our office,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office is working with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to protect people and businesses from fraudsters.”

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