A New Jersey woman is facing serious time behind bars after allegedly using a fake passport card to swindle cash from a Shrewsbury credit union.
Elizabeth Clemente, 42, of New Jersey, was indicted on one count each of forgery or false use of a passport and aggravated identity theft in federal court in Worcester, Massachusetts.
According to prosecutors, Clemente attempted to withdraw money from a customer’s account at the Shrewsbury credit union on November 7, 2023, by impersonating a real account holder. When confronted by law enforcement, Clemente allegedly provided a fake U.S. Passport Card bearing the name and date of birth of the real account holder, but with her own photograph.
Clemente, who was charged by criminal complaint in January 2024, allegedly identified herself as ‘Heather’ when first questioned by police. However, when pressed for further information, she claimed to be the real account holder, ‘Person #1’, but was unable to recall her date of birth or address.
The charge of forgery or false use of a passport carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft comes with a mandatory 2-year prison term, to be served consecutively, as well as up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy announced the indictment, along with Matthew O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office, and Shrewsbury Police Chief Kevin Anderson. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danial E. Bennett is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations, and Clemente is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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