HARRISBURG — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle), published as received.
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on March 23, 2022, Davida Algie Fortenberry, Laje Elise Ford, and Chartanae Ajanee Lovely, all from Oakland, California, were indicted by a federal grand jury on wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud charges.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that between May 2020 and June 2021, Fortenberry, Ford and Lovely, working with other unnamed co-conspirators, defrauded numerous victims using fraudulently obtained bank account information from US banks and foreign banks. The victims included Giant Food Stores in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The indictment also alleges that the women possessed more than 15 fraudulently obtained financial access devices. The indicted conspiracy took place in 13 states and Washington DC, and it resulted in losses exceeding $400,000.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, Harrisburg Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul J. Miovas, Jr. is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud is 20 years’ imprisonment. These charges may also carry a fine and a term of supervised release following imprisonment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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