Guam Fraudster Gets 82 Months for ID & Bank Scheme

Evan Daniel Montvel-Cohen is headed to federal prison for 82 months after being convicted of a brazen scheme involving identity theft and bank fraud in Guam. The 30-something con man wasn’t a one-time offender; the feds uncovered a history of similar scams stretching back years, totaling over $1.5 million in losses. He wasn’t just skimming a few bucks – this was a calculated, multi-faceted operation designed to fleece businesses and banks.

The scheme kicked off in late 2019. Montvel-Cohen snagged someone else’s identity, then used a doctored Guam driver’s license – digitally altered to reflect the victim’s name and birthdate – to sign a residential lease agreement with a property management company. He created an email address in the victim’s name to further the deception. He moved in, and then promptly bounced rent and deposit checks, leaving the property management company holding the bag for nearly $20,000. It’s a classic move for these guys: get the property, stiff the landlord, and move on to the next mark.

But the lease fraud was just the opening act. Montvel-Cohen also targeted a federally insured bank, depositing a check into a joint account and then initiating a stop payment order. This is a common tactic for swindlers – create the illusion of funds, then pull the rug out from under the bank. The bank absorbed a loss, adding to the mounting pile of damages caused by Montvel-Cohen’s actions. The feds say this wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision, but a carefully planned maneuver to exploit the financial system.

Federal prosecutors laid out a compelling case demonstrating a clear pattern of fraudulent behavior. This wasn’t a first offense; Montvel-Cohen had a history of similar schemes, indicating a deliberate and ongoing effort to defraud victims. The court took note of this history, handing down a substantial sentence meant to send a message and keep him off the streets. The sheer scale of the losses – exceeding $1.5 million – solidified the severity of his crimes in the eyes of the court.

The FBI, who spearheaded the investigation, lauded the sentence as a victory. “This case demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to investigating and dismantling fraudulent schemes that harm individuals and financial institutions,” said a Special Agent involved in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan L. Link provided the prosecution, building a solid case that convinced the judge of Montvel-Cohen’s guilt and the need for a lengthy prison term. The feds clearly signaled they’re not tolerating this type of behavior in Guam or anywhere else.

Montvel-Cohen’s sentence isn’t just about punishment; it’s about deterrence. In addition to the 82 months behind bars, he’ll serve five years of supervised release and is responsible for $74,826.67 in restitution. Shawn N. Anderson, the U.S. Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, stated the sentence should discourage others from engaging in similar criminal activity. But for the victims, the damage is already done. They’re left picking up the pieces, and hoping Montvel-Cohen’s time in prison provides some measure of closure.