Renee M. Thompson, Bank Fraud Scheme, New York 2026

A brazen bank fraud scheme was brought to light on September 9, 2026, as Renee M. Thompson, 53, of North Lauderdale, FL, pleaded guilty to her role in the offense.

In a shocking case of financial deception, Thompson conspired with others to commit bank fraud, ultimately swindling a victim company out of $215,878.52.

Beginning in April 2023, Thompson and her co-conspirators stole checks from the victim company and altered them, making them payable to Thompson. In July 2023, Thompson deposited one such check into an account in her name at TD Bank, worth $12,914.11.

The scheme continued, with Thompson and her co-conspirators creating 16 additional fraudulent checks using the victim company's name, address, bank account number, routing number, and signature. These checks were then deposited into Thompson's account at C&N Bank, resulting in the theft of $205,780.52 between July 24 and August 15, 2023.

Thompson also deposited two additional counterfeit checks totaling $7,098 into an account in her name at Truist Bank in June 2023.

Thompson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. She has also agreed to pay $28,500 in restitution.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr.

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