By: Richard L. Smith
Federal authorities have charged a 27-year-old Essex County man in connection with a scheme to steal and deposit fraudulent checks as part of an ongoing bank fraud conspiracy, according to U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.
Isiah J. Jordan is facing one count each of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud.
He made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre and was released on a $100,000 bond.
Court documents and statements made in court allege that Jordan participated in a scheme with others to steal checks from the mail, alter them, and deposit them into bank accounts controlled by his co-conspirators.
In one instance in June 2023, a check worth more than $50,000 was stolen from a business and altered so the funds could be redirected into a fraudulent account.
The money was later withdrawn and split among the group.
Federal prosecutors say Jordan and his associates recruited individuals with established bank accounts to further the scheme, allowing them to continue depositing and withdrawing stolen funds before the fraud was detected.
Both charges carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.