Tallahassee, FL – A Tallahassee man, Romeo Wilson, 20, has been sentenced to over 24 months in federal prison for his involvement in a complex scheme involving bank fraud and identity theft. Wilson pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit bank fraud, 14 counts of bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, possession of 15 or more access devices, possession of a stolen United States Postal Service mail key, and possession of stolen mail.
The sentencing was announced by the Northern District of Florida’s Acting U.S. Attorney, who emphasized the commitment to prosecuting individuals who exploit others’ identities and disrupt essential services like the U.S. Mail. From February 2023 to March 2024, Wilson and his accomplices orchestrated a plan to defraud multiple federally insured financial institutions in Tallahassee. The scheme involved creating and depositing fraudulent checks, altering and depositing checks stolen from the U.S. Mail, and unauthorized bank account withdrawals using victims’ personal information. Wilson further facilitated the fraud by providing vehicles and recruiting individuals to open bank accounts to receive the illicit proceeds.
Wilson was apprehended by the Tallahassee Police Department on March 4, 2024, following a traffic stop where he attempted to flee. In addition to his prison term, Wilson has been ordered to pay over $65,000 in restitution to the victims, which include financial institutions, businesses, and individuals. After his release, he will undergo three years of supervised release, including home detention for the first year.
The case was the result of a collaborative investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Tallahassee Police Department, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Florida Department of Financial Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordane New and Justin M. Keen prosecuted the case.
The Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Miami highlighted the dedication of law enforcement in bringing mail thieves to justice. Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil praised the community’s role in aiding the investigation, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Ulrich of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General affirmed the commitment to protecting the integrity of the U.S. Mail.
The Florida Department of Financial Services Criminal Investigations Division also reiterated its dedication to combating fraud and financial abuse in collaboration with state and federal partners.
