Manuela Gonzalez-Bookman, Passport Fraud, New York 2020

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Table of Contents

New York Woman Pleads Guilty to Passport Fraud Conspiracy

In a brazen scheme, 77-year-old Manuela Gonzalez-Bookman and her accomplice Thierno O. Bah flew from Newark Liberty International Airport to Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans. Their plan: to use stolen identities and fake passports to cash checks at several bank branches.

On February 19, 2020, Gonzalez-Bookman attempted to cash a stolen check at a Capital One bank branch in Metairie, but her ruse was foiled when bank employees became suspicious. Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s deputies were called and arrested the pair.

According to court documents, the duo had executed the scheme at several other bank branches, using stolen identities and fake passports. Their prior trip to New Orleans on January 31, 2020, saw them attempt to execute at least seven fraudulent transactions, including a failed attempt to withdraw $18,600.00 in cash from one victim’s account.

Gonzalez-Bookman faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Her accomplice, Thierno O. Bah, remains at large.

The investigation is being handled by the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service and Homeland Security Investigations. U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser thanked the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office for their assistance.

Assistant United States Attorney Matthew R. Payne is in charge of the prosecution. Gonzalez-Bookman’s sentencing is scheduled for February 17, 2021. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance when it comes to identity theft and passport fraud.

Gonzalez-Bookman’s actions have put her at odds with the law, and she now faces the consequences of her crimes. As the investigation continues, it is clear that no one is above the law, and those who attempt to defraud the system will be held accountable.