A man from the Bronx, New York, has admitted in federal court that he played a key role in a criminal conspiracy to steal money from banks in at least ten states. Paul Keenan, 54, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, according to an announcement by Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
The fraud scheme was well-organized and involved multiple people working together to deceive banks. The criminals targeted both individuals and businesses, using their personal and financial information to create fake IDs and checks. These fake documents were then used to withdraw or cash money from various banks.
Keenan and his co-conspirators attempted to steal a total of $143,000, and they successfully scammed 22 banks out of approximately $93,200 before being caught. Keenan is now awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for May 27, 2025. His punishment will be determined by a federal judge who will consider federal guidelines and other legal factors before deciding his fate.
How Paul Keenan and His Group Carried Out the Fraud
Court documents revealed how Keenan and his partners in crime recruited and organized individuals to help them carry out their scheme. These recruits unknowingly or knowingly provided their photographs and personal details, which were then used to create fraudulent identification documents.
The criminals also collected the personal information of at least 28 individuals, including names, dates of birth, home addresses, Social Security numbers, and bank account details. In addition to stealing from private citizens, they also targeted at least 20 business entities, gathering their banking information to further their scheme.
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With this stolen information, Keenan and his group created fake IDs and counterfeit checks. They then traveled from state to state, using the fraudulent documents to withdraw money from banks. The scheme covered Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and at least eight other states, making it a multi-state criminal operation.
Authorities Crack Down on the Criminals
The case was thoroughly investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the East Providence Police Department, with additional help from the Portsmouth Police Department. These law enforcement agencies worked together to track down Keenan and his group, bringing their illegal activities to an end.
Assistant United States Attorneys Christine Lowell and Sandra Hebert are leading the prosecution of this case. Their work in presenting the evidence helped ensure that Keenan was held accountable for his actions.
Now that Keenan has admitted to his role in the conspiracy, he awaits sentencing. The federal court will determine the appropriate punishment based on legal guidelines and the severity of the crimes committed.
This case highlights how criminals use stolen personal and business information to deceive banks and withdraw money illegally. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of federal and local law enforcement agencies, the fraud scheme was stopped, and those responsible are being brought to justice.
