EAST CENTRAL, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Five people from Georgia have been convicted in a federal bank fraud conspiracy that targeted businesses and financial institutions across east central Illinois.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois, the defendants stole business checks from the mail, copied bank account information, and created fraudulent checks using forged signatures. They then recruited others to cash the checks at banks throughout the region.
Communities impacted by the scheme included Champaign, Mattoon, Charleston, Arthur, Effingham, and several other central Illinois towns. Prosecutors said the group successfully stole approximately $47,000 and attempted to steal nearly $93,000 in total.
The most recent sentencing involved 31-year-old Traveon H. Reese, who received nearly six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Four co-defendants previously pleaded guilty and received prison sentences ranging from three to three-and-a-half years. One additional defendant is awaiting sentencing later this month.
Illinois State Police led the investigation with assistance from the FBI and multiple local law enforcement agencies. Officials said the case highlights the significant financial and emotional toll identity theft and bank fraud can have on small businesses and local banks throughout the region.