Related Federal Cases
- Christopher Guilford, Tax Refund Scheme, Sacramento CA, 2025 · Alaska
- Jeffrey Phares, Cemetery Fraud, West Virginia, 2023 · West Virginia
- Jeffrey Phares, Wire Fraud Scheme, Fayetteville WV, 2023 · West Virginia
- Bradley Temple, Unlawful Money Transactions, West Virginia, 2023 · Washington
- Bradley Temple Embezzled COVID Funds, Wheeling WV, 2023 · Washington
Counterfeit COVID-19 Stimulus Checks Scheme Lands Virginia Man 70 Months in Prison
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – In a brazen scheme to create counterfeit Economic Impact Payments, also known as COVID-19 stimulus checks, a Reston man has been sentenced to 70 months in prison for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Jonathan Drew, 39, was sentenced in connection with a scheme to create counterfeit COVID-19 stimulus checks, and for attempting to conduct a series of fraudulent financial transactions. According to court documents, between approximately December 2019 and August 2020, Drew stole U.S. mail addressed to more than 150 individuals in Fairfax and Loudoun counties.
The mail Drew stole included bank statements, credit cards, credit card statements, W-2 forms, and more than $700,000 in checks, including a COVID-19 stimulus payment and checks Drew used to create counterfeit checks. Drew used the stolen stimulus check to create counterfeit stimulus checks ranging from $1,200 to $2,400, and he negotiated his own authentically issued stimulus check twice.
Drew also used the personally identifiable information of several individuals without authorization to lease an apartment; open bank accounts; and attempt to conduct fraudulent transactions through counterfeit checks, forged checks, unauthorized use of credit cards, and wire transfers.
“The defendant’s extensive fraud scheme involved the unlawful acquisition of personal identification information belonging to over 150 individuals,” said Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “In addition to causing financial harm to the individuals from whom he stole checks and credit cards, the defendant’s sweeping criminal conduct also inflicted emotional harm and distress to his identity theft victims.
Drew was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga. Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olivia Zhu and Roberta O. Roberts, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell L. Carlberg prosecuted the case. The COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force, established by the Attorney General, played a crucial role in investigating and prosecuting this case.
According to court documents, Drew stole U.S. mail addressed to more than 150 individuals in Fairfax and Loudoun counties, including bank statements, credit cards, credit card statements, W-2 forms, and more than $700,000 in checks. The total amount of the counterfeit checks is not specified.
The case is a stark reminder of the importance of protecting personal identification information and being cautious when receiving unsolicited mail or checks. The COVID-19 pandemic has created new opportunities for scammers and identity thieves, and it is essential that we remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Mandatory Facts:
Defendant: Jonathan Drew
Criminal Charges: Bank fraud and aggravated identity theft
City and State: Alexandria, VA
Exact Date: Not specified
Sentence or Outcome: 70 months in prison
Dollar Amounts: $700,000 in checks
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
