SEFCU Fraud Case: Albany Duo Sentenced, Faces Years of Supervision and Restitution!
Albany, NY — In a significant bank fraud case, two individuals from Albany were sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a scheme targeting the State Employees Federal Credit Union (SEFCU).
This case dates back to 2022 when the conspirators orchestrated a plot to steal the identities of SEFCU customers and use them for financial gain.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 54-year-old Allahson Allah from Albany teamed up with 25-year-old Evan Cutler from Queensbury to execute the conspiracy.
The scheme revolved around obtaining SEFCU customers’ personal information and impersonating them. These impersonations allowed them to fraudulently access cash and credit from SEFCU accounts.
A key figure in this operation was 35-year-old Caeshara Cannon from Albany, who previously worked as a Member Service Representative at SEFCU. Cannon’s role in the conspiracy involved providing Allah and Cutler with the necessary customer account information.
This information was used to create fake checks that were cashed at various SEFCU branches across the Capital Region.
In addition to cashing counterfeit checks, the conspirators used stolen customer identities to apply for loans. Once approved, they withdrew the funds in cash, resulting in a significant financial loss for SEFCU.
The total amount lost to the scheme was calculated at $88,800, with an additional intended loss exceeding $100,000.
As a result of their actions, Allahson Allah received a sentence of 57 months in federal prison, followed by three years of post-release supervision. Additionally, he was ordered to repay the $88,800 in restitution.
Caeshara Cannon, who played a crucial role by providing insider information, was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison, followed by two years of post-release supervision. Cannon was ordered to pay $77,200 in restitution for her part in the scheme.
The sentencing marks a significant moment in holding those responsible accountable for their actions. By impersonating SEFCU customers and abusing their positions of trust, these individuals caused substantial financial harm.
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This case also serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding personal and financial information to prevent similar incidents in the future.