Scranton Woman Charged with $26,000 Credit Union Scam
A 30-year-old Scranton woman has been charged with defrauding the Tobyhanna Federal Credit Union out of $26,000.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Farah Laurent, of Scranton, allegedly made fictitious credit card payments to the credit union by using closed or invalid credit cards between May and July of 2010. This resulted in the loss of $26,000 for the credit union.
Laurent faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and fines in the amount of $500,000. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service.
Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski is assigned to prosecute the case. Laurent is presumed innocent until found guilty in court.
In a statement, United States Attorney Peter Smith said, ‘The indictment returned by the grand jury charges Farah Laurent with obtaining approximately $26,000 by fraud from the Tobyhanna Federal Credit Union in May through July of 2010. We will continue to work with the Secret Service to ensure that those who commit financial crimes are held accountable.’
Laurent’s sentencing will be determined by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The statutory maximum penalty for the offense is 30 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge will consider various factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense, the history and characteristics of the defendant, and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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