A Great Falls woman who admitted to a fraudulent check scheme in which she used fake identifications and stolen checks to buy merchandise in the community was sentenced to 26 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.
Rachel Sheree Abbott, 34, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents, in 2019 and 2020, Abbott became involved in a fraudulent check scheme where she used fake identification cards, stolen checks and check printing software and materials to create new checks with valid account numbers.
Another individual would make for Abbott fake identification cards that contained a real identity with Abbott’s picture. Abbott also received stolen checks from others and would put this real identity on the stolen checks in conjunction with the real account number. Abbott then used the fake identification card and altered checks to spend approximately $25,000 at businesses in the Great Falls community.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the sentencing. Judge Morris also ordered $23,309 restitution.
The case was investigated by the FBI and Great Falls Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica A. Betley and Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuting the case.
Abbott’s fraudulent scheme caused significant financial losses for the businesses affected, and her sentencing serves as a reminder of the consequences of such crimes.
Related Federal Cases
- Ocegueda-Ruiz, Meth Kingpin Convicted, Montana, 2023 · Utah
- Lambert Family Members Sentenced for Public Corruption Scheme, GREA… · New York
- Daryl Glenn Johnson, Public Funds Fraud Scheme, Beaumont TX, 2023 · Oklahoma
- Marcus Brian Curry, $2.4M Mail Fraud Scheme, Allen TX, 2023 · Oklahoma
- Dorothy Matsuba Led $30M Mortgage Relief Fraud Scheme, Los Angeles … · California
Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News