Rasheed Colbert, Bank Fraud, Maine 2024

A scheme to commit bank fraud has come to an end for an Atlanta man, Rasheed Colbert, 33, who was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Portland, Maine, this week.

Colbert was found guilty of conspiring to commit bank fraud and was sentenced to 10 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $69,744 in restitution. His guilty plea was made on May 30, 2024.

According to court records, in March 2022, Colbert and his coconspirators stole checks from the mailboxes of local businesses. They then used these stolen checks to create counterfeit checks, which were made payable to unhoused individuals Colbert and others recruited to cash them. The counterfeit checks netted just under $70,000 from the cashed checks.

The scheme was uncovered through the efforts of the New England Cyber Fraud Task Force and the Kennebunk Police Department, with valuable assistance from the Saco and Scarborough police departments.

Colbert is not the only one to face consequences for his role in the scheme. Mantavious Jones, 36, also of Atlanta, received a 16-month prison sentence for his role in the scheme, followed by three years of supervised release.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting ourselves and our businesses from financial scams. It also highlights the dedication of law enforcement agencies in their pursuit of justice.

Rasheed Colbert's case is a prime example of the consequences of bank fraud. His sentence and the restitution he must pay serve as a warning to others who may be tempted to engage in similar activities.

Defendant: Rasheed Colbert

Criminal Charges: Conspiring to commit bank fraud

City and State: Portland, Maine

Date: May 30, 2024 (sentencing date)

Sentence: 10 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and $69,744 in restitution

Dollar Amount: $69,744 in restitution

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/pr/2nd-georgia-man-sentenced-role-stolen-check-scheme