Two Florida Women Plead Guilty to Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft for Check Cashing Scheme

BOISE – Jennifer A. Gallagher, 31, of Margate, Florida, and Danielle M. Cook, 28, of Pembrooke Pines, Florida, both pleaded guilty today in United States District Court to one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Sentencing for both defendants is set for March 9, 2015, before U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge.

Cook and Gallagher were indicted in October 2014, for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. According to the plea agreements, Cook and Gallagher admitted that, between August 9th and 13th, 2014, they traveled to the District of Idaho to participate in a scheme to defraud financial institutions by cashing stolen checks. In particular, Cook and Gallagher admitted to obtaining stolen checks and driver's licenses, altering their appearances, including by the use of wigs, such that they would closely resemble the photographs on the stolen driver's licenses, then cashing the stolen checks through the far lane of numerous banks in the Treasure Valley. At least twelve such checks were cashed by Cook and Gallagher.

Bank Fraud is punishable by up to 30 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not more than five years, and a $100 special assessment. Aggravated Identity Theft is punishable by a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of two years, a term of supervised release of not more than one year, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a special assessment of $100.

The case was investigated by the FBI, the Ada County Sheriff's Office, the Meridian Police Department, and the Boise Police Department.