March 26, 2015

Connecticut Man Pleads Guilty in White Plains Federal Court to Nearly $ 1 Million Fraud Against More Than 30 Businesses in Eight States

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Diego Rodriguez, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced that SHANE FUSCO pled guilty today to bank fraud charges.

FUSCO is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of bank fraud.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Bharara stated: “Shane Fusco brazenly defrauded dozens of small businesses up and down the Eastern seaboard of hundreds of thousands of dollars in goods using fraudulent bank checks and fraudulent personal checks. In the end, Fusco will face justice for trying to steal close to a million dollars in goods.”

FBI Assistant Director Diego Rodriguez stated: “Fusco conned more than two dozen businesses out of nearly $1 million in a scheme that served to further enrich his lifestyle. Stealing money from victims in this way not only compromises the livelihood of business owners, but could also lead to long-term financial consequences for the victim companies. As evidenced by today’s plea, the time has come for Fusco to pay the price for his crimes.”

According to the Information filed in White Plains federal court and public information:

For almost two years, FUSCO fraudulently created bank and personal checks in a scheme to obtain vehicle parts and jewelry, among other items, from 34 businesses and one individual. FUSCO was eventually caught using a fake check in an attempt to buy tires while driving a stolen truck that was hitched to a stolen trailer.

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FUSCO faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison on each count in the Information. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 8, 2015. The statutory maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes, any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, the FBI, the United States Secret Service Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, the Orange County Sherriff’s Office, and the Connecticut State Police.

This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. Collins, Jr., is in charge of the prosecution.