Financial Institution Fraud Investigation Rocks Northern Mariana Islands

55-Year-Old Man Sentenced to 82 Months Imprisonment for Defrauding Property Management Company and Federally Insured Financial Institution

A 55-year-old man from Tamuning, Guam has been sentenced to 82 months imprisonment for engaging in a scheme to defraud a property management company and a federally insured financial institution. Evan Daniel Montvel-Cohen was found guilty of using a means of identification in furtherance of fraud and bank fraud.

The Scheme

According to court documents, Montvel-Cohen used the name and personal identification of another person to enter into a residential lease agreement with a property management company from November 2019 until January 2020. He then possessed and occupied a residential unit belonging to the company, bounced rent and deposit checks, and never paid any of the rental or deposit fees owed, resulting in a loss of nearly $20,000.

Bank Fraud

The defendant was also found guilty of defrauding the Bank of Guam from July 31, 2018, until August 18, 2018. Montvel-Cohen deposited a $45,010 check into a jointly owned account and then caused a stop payment order to be placed on the check, resulting in a loss of $39,356.05.

Long History of Fraud

At sentencing, the court found that Montvel-Cohen engaged in a long series of similar frauds and schemes over a multi-year period, resulting in actual and intended losses of over $1.5 million.

Reactions

“Montvel-Cohen has a lengthy history of fraud, which has left a trail of victims throughout the United States,” said US Attorney Shawn N. Anderson. “Hopefully the sentence imposed by the court will deter him from reoffending. I applaud the diligent efforts of the FBI in bringing this defendant to justice.”

“Fraud and identity theft are devastating to those who fall victim to these crimes,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill. “Many don’t even know they are affected until it is too late. The FBI will spare no effort or resource when investigating those responsible.”

Investigation and Prosecution

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Benjamin K. Petersburg, Assistant US Attorney in the District of Guam.

Conclusion

Montvel-Cohen’s sentence serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in fraudulent activities. The FBI will continue to work tirelessly to investigate and prosecute those responsible for these types of crimes.