Rhode Island Bank Heist: 11 Indicted in Check Fraud Schemes

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A network of fraudsters, including rogue bank employees, is facing federal charges after authorities cracked down on two separate schemes to bilk local banks out of over $235,000. Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus announced today the unsealing of superseding indictments charging eleven individuals with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and related offenses.

The first indictment details a year-long operation beginning in April 2020, allegedly spearheaded by Terrance Richardson, 30, of Providence. Richardson is accused of obtaining stolen checks and account information, then forging counterfeit checks to deposit into compromised accounts. Crucially, the scheme relied on inside help: Machaela Farias, 26, of Providence, a Santander Bank employee, allegedly facilitated the deposits. The conspirators then swiftly withdrew the fraudulent funds before the banks could flag the activity. Johanna Arias, 33, of Providence, and Jordan Robertson, 24, of Providence, are also named in the indictment as participants in the rapid cash withdrawals. At least $165,154 in counterfeit checks were deposited, with $89,453 successfully pilfered.

Richardson, Farias, Arias, and Robertson face charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and 14 counts of bank fraud. Richardson also carries the weight of an aggravated identity theft charge. The indictment paints a picture of calculated deception, exploiting both vulnerable accounts and a position of trust within the banking system.

An unrelated, 14-month scheme, beginning in January 2020, targeted similar vulnerabilities. Richard Koboi, 26, of Providence, Maximillan Mwah, 38, and Godgift Rosler, 33, of Pawtucket, allegedly obtained and used stolen checks and account information. This time, the alleged inside assistance came from Savonnah Briggs, 26, and Isha-Lee Savage, 23, of Providence, who were employed at Citizens Bank and Santander Bank respectively. They are accused of providing access to crucial account details used to create the counterfeit checks. Nearly $70,000 in fraudulent checks were deposited, with conspirators – including Junior Richards, 24, of Pawtucket, and Darren Maenza, 27, of Pawtucket – making quick withdrawals, transfers, and purchases.

All defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Richards, Maenza, and Rosler face an additional 12 counts of bank fraud, while Koboi is also charged with aggravated identity theft and being a felon in possession of a firearm – a clear indication of a potentially dangerous individual involved in the operation. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service led the investigation, with assistance from the FBI in apprehending several suspects.

It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is simply an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ly T. Chin is prosecuting the cases. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and bring you updates as they develop. This case highlights the constant threat of financial fraud and the importance of vigilance within the banking sector.