Related Federal Cases
Former USPS Worker Pleads Guilty to Attempted Bank Fraud
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., woman pleaded guilty to attempted bank fraud yesterday for altering and depositing stolen checks into her bank account. At the time of the fraud, she was employed by the United States Postal Service.
Shawneasha L. Watson, 30, participated in a scheme to defraud a credit union by allowing the use of her account to deposit stolen checks. She provided both her debit card and her PIN to another individual to facilitate the deposit. In June 2023, the individual deposited checks that had been altered to show her name in the payee line and were endorsed with a signature bearing her name.
The credit union flagged the deposits as fraudulent and froze the account before any withdrawals or transfers could be made. The victims all stated they had placed these checks into United States Postal Service blue collection boxes for mailing. The checks were originally intended to pay various bills including one intended for medical expenses and another for a monthly mortgage payment.
Under federal statutes, Watson is subject to a sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda K. Hanson. It was investigated by the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General.
Watson also admitted to obtaining a Pandemic Paycheck Protection loan under false pretenses in 2021 in the amount of $20,832.50. The loan application stated she was the sole proprietor of a men’s clothing business, and she needed the money to cover her payroll expenses. She later admitted that was false and she spent the money on herself.
The loan was ultimately forgiven by the Small Business Administration.
In a related matter, Watson’s bank account was used to facilitate the deposit of stolen checks. The credit union froze the account before any withdrawals or transfers could be made.
Shawneasha L. Watson, Defendant
Attempted Bank Fraud, Defendant
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (June 2023)
Watson is subject to a sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison without parole.
$20,832.50, the amount of the Pandemic Paycheck Protection loan obtained under false pretenses.
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News