Shamarri Tache Brooks, Bank Fraud, Georgia 2026

Atlanta, GA - In a brazen scheme, Shamarri Tache Brooks, 33, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft charges in connection with the widespread theft of checks from the mail.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Brooks committed bank fraud by negotiating checks stolen from the mail. He used social media to recruit individuals with existing bank accounts to use as depository accounts for stolen checks. Brooks altered the stolen checks to list the cooperating accountholders as the intended recipients or payees of the checks.

Brooks deposited altered checks at ATMs throughout the Atlanta area, often wearing balaclava-style masks with a logo stating 'No Free Sauce.'

The indictment and other information presented in court reveal that from at least January 2022 through November 2025, Brooks committed bank fraud by negotiating checks stolen from the mail. Brooks also promoted and sold tutorials for committing various forms of financial fraud, including check fraud.

When law enforcement arrested Brooks earlier this year, they recovered over 600 stolen checks from his residence. Brooks pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft charges.

U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stated, 'Brooks used his music and social media accounts to promote fraud as a lifestyle rather than a scourge.'

The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation - Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General. The Dunwoody Police Department and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration also provided valuable assistance in the investigation.

Shamarri Tache Brooks, a/k/a Juney Knotzz, pleaded guilty today to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft charges. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders. The sentencing has not yet been scheduled.

For those who think they can take the easy road to financial gains by stealing money people have worked hard for, the FBI will hold you accountable for the pain and losses you cause,' said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Marlo Graham.

The brazenness of the defendant is almost unfathomable,' said Robert Donovan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Atlanta Field Office. 'He openly recruited participants in his criminal enterprise on social media while teaching others how to victimize members of the public by selling financial fraud tutorials.

Today's guilty plea serves as a clear reminder that individuals who believe they can conceal their fraud schemes behind encrypted messaging services are mistaken,' said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Ulrich of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General.

This case highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies in tackling complex and sophisticated financial crimes.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga/pr/fraud-promoter-pleads-guilty-federal-bank-fraud-charges-involving-manipulation-stolen