HARRISBURG – Attorney General Dave Sunday announced the office’s Organized Crime Section has charged 14 individuals in connection with a stolen check fraud scheme involving more than $1 million in attempted thefts and victims across Pennsylvania.
Among those charged is Savannah Sperduto, the alleged leader of the criminal organization who coordinated much of the conduct. Sperduto and co-conspirators obtained checks in a variety of ways from individuals, school districts, and businesses, then forged and altered them before attempting to deposit or cash them at banks.
The group profited an estimated $170,000 from the scheme, but the total attempted thefts surpassed $1 million.
The defendants are charged with corrupt organizations, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, forgery, theft, identity theft, and related offenses.
Sperduto, 27, of Philadelphia, was recently arraigned and bail was set at $50,000 cash.
“This alleged scheme targeted businesses, school districts, and other unsuspecting victims across the Commonwealth for high-dollar thefts,” Attorney General Sunday said. “Our Organized Crime Section and the Pennsylvania State Police unraveled this scheme and are now holding these offenders accountable with the filing of serious charges.”
The Office of Attorney General collaborated with the Pennsylvania State Police throughout the investigation.
“This investigation reflects PSP’s continued commitment to protect Pennsylvanians from thieves who prey on the innocent,” said Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Lauren A. Spallone, Station Commander, Troop A, Somerset. “I commend our members and the Attorney General’s Office for working collaboratively to hold these offenders accountable and bring justice to the victims in this case.”
Also charged are: Marquese Collins, Marquill Mayden, Nascia Wise, Nathaniel Thornton, Aaliem Richardson, Genesis Collins, Rebecca Bazelais, Virguel Jean-Louis, Quantarius Roundtree, John Ortiz, Isaiah Patterson, Sarah Pierna and Shalai Tyler.
Led by Sperduto, the group obtained checks by soliciting individuals to steal; by buying blank checks from other bad actors; and by attempting to interfere with postal delivery.
The fraudulent checks were deposited into accounts at least 10 different banks and financial institutions. The proceeds from the stolen and forged checks were allegedly divided among the defendants.
School districts, including Berlin Brothersvalley School District and Turkeyfoot Valley Area School District located in Somerset County, had checks stolen and forged as part of the scheme. Numerous Pennsylvania businesses were also affected. The investigation identified victims throughout Pennsylvania and in other states.
It is not believed the school districts or other victims whose checks were altered and used were involved in the conspiracy.
The cases will be prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Brittney Kern and Deputy Attorney General Jenna Strausbaugh of the Organized Crime Section. Criminal charges, and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
###