STEVEN WARE, 64, of Yonkers, N.Y., pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston for masterminding a $810,000 tax refund heist. Ware posed as a corporate executive to open bank accounts and deposit a massive Treasury check.
In a gritty plot worthy of the silver screen, Ware then siphoned over $634,000 from the account using a fraudulent debit card, splurging on goods across New York, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. The Yonkers conman was caught after opening accounts under a Connecticut investment company’s name in December 2023.
Ware faces up to 30 years in prison for bank fraud, along with two mandatory two-year sentences for aggravated identity theft. Sentencing is set for October 8, 2025, before U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young.
The case highlights the cunning methods cybercriminals use to exploit the financial system. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is leading the prosecution.
“This investigation underscores the importance of vigilance in financial institutions and among consumers,” stated United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. The coordinated effort between law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, IRS, Postal Inspection Service, and Tyngsborough Police Department, was crucial in bringing Ware to justice.
The charges carry a potential fine of $1 million for bank fraud and up to $250,000 per count of aggravated identity theft. Sentences are determined by federal guidelines and statutes.
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Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|White Collar Crime|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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