By: Richard L. Smith
A former TD Bank employee has admitted to accepting bribes in exchange for opening more than 100 fraudulent bank accounts, some later linked to criminal activity, according to a statement released by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.
Jhonnatan Steven Rodriguez, 32, of Naples, Florida, pleaded guilty in Newark federal court before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas to one count of accepting bribes as a bank employee and one count of making false bank entries.
Sentencing is set for November 25, 2025.
Federal prosecutors said Rodriguez, who operated under the alias “Jorge,” began the scheme in late 2022, taking bribes of approximately $200 to $250 per account.
In total, he fraudulently opened around 140 bank accounts, often forging customer signatures on official documents.
To conceal his involvement, Rodriguez used a messaging app to communicate with individuals seeking access to the illicit accounts.
The bribery and false entry charges each carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. 
The bribery charge also includes a potential fine of up to $1 million or three times the value of the bribes, whichever is greater.