Gregory Ivey, Bank Fraud, Connecticut 2021

New Haven, CT – In a shocking case of financial exploitation, Gregory Ivey, 23, of New Haven, pleaded guilty to bank fraud on [date] before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport.

According to court documents, Ivey began working for a retired woman, known as the victim, in 2018, doing odd jobs for her. However, in October 2018, Ivey started stealing checks from the victim’s checkbook while in her home. He then wrote checks payable to himself, forged the victim’s signature on the checks, and deposited the checks into his personal credit union account.

Ivy also gave stolen blank checks on which he had forged the victim’s signature to another individual, who then cashed or deposited the checks. The individual, Lamont Bethea, used the information on the stolen checks to arrange electronic funds transfers (EFTs) from the victim’s bank account to make payments for himself, his family members, and other friends or acquaintances.

Bethea used these EFTs to pay credit cards bills, rent, car insurance, student loans, cell phone bills, and other payments for himself and others. He also provided the victim’s routing and bank account numbers to other individuals so they could arrange similar EFTs for themselves and others from the victim’s account.

The scheme, which lasted until May 2021, attempted to obtain a total of $624,818.28 from the victim’s bank account. However, because the victim’s bank account became overdrawn, some attempted check deposits or EFTs were reversed, resulting in a loss to the victim of $479,569.08. Ivey personally stole $162,942 from the victim during his involvement in the scheme.

Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for December 21, at which time Ivey faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years. Ivey was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on November 8, 2021, and is currently released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.

The Justice Department has established a National Elder Fraud Hotline to provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline is staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed.

The Hotline’s toll-free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311). For more information, please visit https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/stop-elder-fraud/providing-help-restoring-hope.