Joseph Karl Muller, Bank Fraud and Identity Theft, New York 2013

U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Joseph Karl Muller, 54, of Webster, NY, was sentenced to 54 months in prison for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft in Rochester, New York.

Muller, an accountant in Webster, prepared tax returns for clients, including one whose personal identifying information he used to prepare 46 fraudulent checks drawn on the client's bank accounts. The defendant then deposited the fraudulent checks into an account he controlled, reaping a total of $127,287.

The crime took place from April 2012 to August 2013, and the defendant was convicted of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.

The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer, who also ordered Muller to pay restitution of $127,287.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Field handled the matter, stating that the investigation by the Secret Service led to Muller's conviction.

Special Agents of the Secret Service, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Adelizzio, conducted the investigation.

Muller's sentence is a culmination of the investigation, which resulted in his conviction for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.

The case highlights the importance of protecting personal identifying information and the consequences of using it for fraudulent purposes.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/webster-accountant-sentenced-bank-fraud-and-identity-theft