Jovanna Deshawn Forte, Bank Fraud Conspiracy, Florida 2014

Lakeland Couple’s Bank Fraud Scheme Exposed

Tampa, Florida – In a shocking case of bank fraud, a Lakeland couple has been sentenced to prison for their role in a massive conspiracy. Jovanna Deshawn Forte (39) and William Boyd Burns (45) each received a 51-month prison sentence, handed down by United States District Judge Virginia Covington.

Forte and Burns pleaded guilty in May 2014 to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, a charge that carries serious penalties. The court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $385,450, the proceeds of the bank fraud. This staggering sum is a testament to the scope of the couple’s scheme.

According to court documents, Forte and Burns used other individuals’ accounts at local banks to deposit third-party checks that were written to the account holders, in amounts ranging from $1,500 to $3,600. These third-party checks were fraudulent and false when they were deposited by Forte and Burns because the checks were written on closed accounts and accounts that did not have sufficient funds to pay the amount of the check.

The checks were deposited into these accounts by ATM, after the financial institution had closed. Forte and Burns then withdrew or attempted to withdraw funds, both in cash and through debit card purchases, that had been credited to the account from the fraudulent check deposits. The withdrawn funds were used for personal expenditures.

Forte and Burns were recorded on video surveillance using nearly 200 accounts at three financial institutions. They obtained at least $385,450 in funds from their withdrawals and purchases. This brazen scheme was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Kelley C. Howard-Allen prosecuted the case.

The sentencing of Forte and Burns serves as a reminder of the severity of bank fraud and the consequences of engaging in such activities. Law enforcement agencies will continue to work tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice and protect the public from financial crimes.

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