Thread: Punta Gorda: Illegal immigrant charged in bank scam

Illegal immigrant charged in bank scam
(Last updated: 5:25 PM)

By JASON WITZ
Staff Writer

A 38-year-old Brazilian immigrant who entered the country illegally was charged in what authorities are calling a "check kiting" scam.

Aldenir Dias DeAraujo, of Lehigh Acres, was charged with grand theft from $300 to $20,000.

The Punta Gorda Police Department said DeAraujo attempted to deposit fake funds to an account and immediately withdrew the amount, which is known as "check kiting."

DeAraujo made ATM deposits totaling $125,900 at four Bank of America locations on June 18. A day later, DeAraujo completed two withdrawals at separate bank locations for $13,000, the report said.

Following the action, he proceeded to the Punta Gorda Bank of America for another withdrawal. A teller at the bank discovered one of the checks had been denied and DeAraujo was attempting to withdraw the deposited money prior to verification, according to the report.

The Punta Gorda Police Department made contact with DeAraujo while he still was inside the bank, and got permission to search his vehicle. Officers found two sealed Wachovia bank envelopes -- containing $6,000 and $7,000 -- 19 Bank of America deposit envelopes and several deposit slips.

During questioning, DeAraujo admitted he was in the country illegally. His Brazilian passport didn't have any stamps noting entry or exit into the United States.

In addition, DeAraujo had used someone's Social Security number to obtain a driver's license, and he forged an IRS tax identification card, the report said.

Upon further review, detectives obtained a document from the license office advising of a scam involving Brazilian nationals who use passports with no stamps to obtain licenses. DeAraujo had also used the Social Security number to open a bank account more than a year ago, the report said.

On June 29, Bank of America corporate security confirmed all four deposits DeAraujo made were fraudulent.

The reason DeAraujo's felony grand theft charge ranges from $300 to $20,000 is because he only successfully withdrew a total of $13,000.

He wsas booked into the Charlotte County Jail without bond, and could face additional charges in Lee County.

http://www.sun-herald.com/breakingnews.cfm?id=2614

NO BAIL Good

I think this is ironic justice for Bank of America and Wachovia for "courting" illegals!!!! Yeehah!!!!!!!!

He'd have "made" more money if he'd just applied for a credit card or a home loan!!

Since it was Bank of America, I was almost rooting for him!