Title: Georgia Man Sentenced for Bank Fraud Scheme Targeting Homeless in New England

Michael Williams Sentenced to 41 Months in Federal Prison

A 26-year-old Atlanta, GA resident, Michael Williams, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for his role in a bank fraud scheme that targeted homeless and transient individuals in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Maine.

Scheme Overview

According to court information, Williams and his associates approached homeless individuals in Providence, offering them opportunities to cash counterfeit business checks in exchange for cash payments. The victims were then driven to various banks in the region to cash the checks. The fraudulent checks, totaling approximately $677,687, caused actual losses of around $480,000 to financial institutions.

Financial Harm

U.S. Attorney Cunha made a statement, “This defendant’s actions resulted in substantial financial losses, but they also targeted some of society’s most vulnerable populations. Today’s sentence reflects the harm caused by his scheme, both financially and to individuals.”

Threats and Violence

The investigation uncovered instances where Williams and his cohorts threatened violence if the victims failed to comply with their demands. In one instance on February 5, 2021, a man was recruited and threatened with injury if he did not hand over the entire cash proceeds of the cashed check. Law enforcement intervened, resulting in Williams’ arrest with $12,000 in cash on hand.

Evidence Discovered

A search of a Providence residence linked to Williams yielded items used to create counterfeit checks, such as a computer with check design software, a printer, blank check stock, and approximately $5,000 in cash.

Prosecution and Charges

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee H. Vilker prosecuted the case, and the investigation was led by the U.S. Secret Service, with assistance from the Providence and Medway, MA Police Departments.

Sentencing

On February 16, 2022, U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. sentenced Michael Williams to 41 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of federal supervised release. Williams was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $480,000.