Nahtahna Castner, Wire Fraud and ID Theft, New York 2026

Rochester, NY – In a shocking case of financial exploitation, Nahtahna Castner, a 46-year-old woman from Dansville, NY, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who is handling the case, Castner and her co-conspirator had the trust of an elderly and vulnerable neighbor, who was over 90 years old. They used this position of trust to gain access to the victim’s banking information, allowing them to execute approximately $252,672.97 worth of unauthorized transactions.

The scheme, which ran from July 2020 to February 2023, saw Castner and her co-conspirator withdrawing large sums of cash from ATMs, initiating wire transfers to Castner’s personal bank account, and making purchases using the victim’s debit card. The victim’s bank account savings went from approximately $283,954.95 to $99.59.

In addition to the unauthorized transactions, Castner and her co-conspirator also used the victim’s personal identifying information to apply for three credit cards in the victim’s name. They then used the credit cards to make purchases resulting in fraud against three financial institutions in the amount of $2,039.04, $819.33, and $809.74.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera and the New York State Department of Financial Services, under the direction of Acting Superintendent Kaitlin Asrow.

Castner faces a minimum penalty of two years in prison, a maximum of 22 years, and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for June 9, 2026, before Judge Siragusa.

This case highlights the devastating consequences of financial exploitation and the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from such crimes. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates on the sentencing and any further developments.

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