By: Richard L. Smith
A former U.S. Army recruiter from Jersey City has admitted to using the personal information of military recruits and recruit candidates to carry out a fraudulent scheme that resulted in more than $266,000 in loans, credit accounts, and fraudulent transactions, federal authorities announced.
According to U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer, 35-year-old Jane Crosby pleaded guilty in Newark federal court to one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton.
Federal prosecutors said Crosby, a former Sergeant First Class and Army recruiter, used her position to obtain the personally identifying information of recruits and prospective recruits.
Between September and December 2023, she allegedly submitted seven fraudulent “Pre-Active Duty Membership” applications to a credit union without the victims’ knowledge or consent.
Authorities said the applications included the victims’ names, Social Security numbers, and copies of identification documents, including passports, driver’s licenses, and Social Security cards.
Once the accounts were opened, Crosby allegedly impersonated the victims to obtain loans and credit card accounts totaling approximately $266,000.
Prosecutors further alleged that she used the accounts to deposit fraudulent checks and withdraw funds.
The bank fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1 million, or twice the gain or loss resulting from the offense.
The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory consecutive prison term of two years and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the gain or loss from the crime.
Sentencing is scheduled for a later date.