Nickola Ferra, Wire Fraud, New York 2024

In a shocking turn of events, a Greece woman has pleaded guilty to her role in a extensive fraud scheme, which spanned multiple counties and left a trail of destruction in its wake.

Nickola Ferra, a resident of Greece, NY, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. This is a stark reminder that these crimes can have severe consequences, not just for the individuals involved, but also for the community as a whole.

The investigation, led by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Brian Wood, uncovered an extensive pattern of conduct involving document fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, retail theft, and identity theft. Ferra and others involved in the scheme obtained merchandise by theft or fraud from local retailers, which was then returned in exchange for gift cards and store credit or sold to third parties.

The scheme also involved Ferra presenting forged and/or stolen passports and other stolen identification and credit information to merchants, as well as making fraudulent purchases, including car and hotel rentals. The stolen identity information was also used in attempts to open credit cards and obtain loans in other individuals’ names.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, at least 10 identity theft victims and thousands of dollars in losses have been identified. This is a stark reminder of the devastating impact that these crimes can have on individuals and families.

With sentencing scheduled for January 28, 2025, at 9:15 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa, Ferra faces the possibility of serving 30 years in prison and paying a $250,000 fine. This is a stark reminder that these crimes will not be tolerated and that those who commit them will be held accountable.

The case is a reminder that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the community and holding those who engage in these types of crimes accountable. We urge anyone who may have been a victim of this scheme to come forward and report any suspicious activity.

Nickola Ferra, defendant, exact criminal charges: Wire Fraud, City and state: Rochester, New York, EXACT DATE: not provided, Sentence or outcome: faces 30 years in prison and $250,000 fine, Dollar amounts: $250,000.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/greece-woman-pleads-guilty-her-role-fraud-scheme