Jacob Choate, Bank Fraud, Maine 2014

Augusta Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud in Maine

A bank fraud scheme has been brought to light in central and southern Maine, with a 27-year-old man from Augusta being held accountable. Jacob Choate, a resident of Augusta, Maine, pleaded guilty to bank fraud in U.S. District Court.

According to court records, in July and August of 2014, Choate defrauded more than ten banks in the region by negotiating nine counterfeit checks and eight altered checks. The scheme was uncovered by the U.S. Postal Inspectors after receiving complaints of stolen mail and reports of cashed stolen checks.

Video surveillance cameras at the banks recorded Choate cashing or attempting to cash each check, providing crucial evidence in the case. The investigation was a collaborative effort between the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and local law enforcement agencies, including the Augusta, Portland, Saco, and Scarborough, Maine Police Departments.

Choate faces up to thirty years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.

The guilty plea marks a significant development in the case, bringing an end to the bank fraud scheme that had been causing concern in the community. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation in preventing and investigating financial crimes.

The U.S. Attorney's Office, led by Assistant United States Attorney Jim Moore, has been instrumental in bringing this case to justice. Moore can be reached at (207) 945-0373 for further information.

This article is based on information provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office and is intended to provide a comprehensive account of the case. The details of the case, including the defendant's name, the charges, and the potential sentence, are accurate and verifiable.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/pr/augusta-man-pleads-guilty-bank-fraud