HARRISBURG, PA – Lucy Annette Alexander, 35, of Maryland and Washington, D.C., is facing serious federal charges after a grand jury indicted her on seven counts of bank fraud. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania alleges Alexander systematically defrauded retailers throughout the region with bad checks, racking up a bill exceeding $200,000.
Between August 2019 and June 2021, Alexander reportedly targeted a wide range of stores, including familiar names like PetSmart, Sears, Dollar Tree, Weis Markets, Food Lion, and even high-end retailers like Costco and Barnes & Noble. The indictment details a brazen scheme where Alexander wrote checks from accounts that had *already been closed*, knowing full well they wouldn’t clear. Investigators say she managed to pass over 200 checks from a single, defunct account.
The scope of the alleged fraud is staggering. In one instance, during May 2020, Alexander allegedly wrote seven checks totaling over $17,000 from an account with insufficient funds. These checks were cashed at Weis Markets, Giant Food, and Roses Discount Store locations, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The indictment paints a picture of a calculated and persistent effort to obtain goods and services through deception.
The U.S. Secret Service led the investigation, uncovering the pattern of fraudulent activity. While the indictment marks a significant step, it’s crucial to remember that these are merely allegations. Alexander is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma will be prosecuting the case, and the legal battle is expected to be lengthy.
If convicted on these bank fraud charges, Alexander faces a potential sentence of up to 30 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and a period of supervised release following her incarceration. However, sentencing guidelines are complex, and the ultimate penalty will be determined by the judge, taking into account numerous factors including the severity of the offense and Alexander’s criminal history.
This case serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly small-scale fraud can have significant consequences. The U.S. Secret Service continues to prioritize investigations into financial crimes, working to protect both businesses and consumers from the damaging effects of schemes like the one allegedly perpetrated by Lucy Annette Alexander. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds.
Related Federal Cases
- Mehul Khatiwala, Bank Fraud Scheme, NJ 2024 · Tennessee
- Andrew Gabler, Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, Pennsylvania 2024 · Maryland
- JJaymark Larios, Bank Fraud Conspiracy, NY 2024 · West Virginia
- JJaymark Larios, Bank Fraud Conspiracy, Rhode Island 2024 · West Virginia
- Carl Edward Washington, Bank Fraud, California 2024 · New Mexico
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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