In a recent announcement by United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz, Joseph Willis, a 44-year-old man originally from Danville, Illinois, has been sentenced to over two years in federal prison for his involvement in a bank fraud scheme. Operating out of Memphis, Tennessee, Willis, along with accomplices, was charged with depositing and cashing stolen United States Treasury checks between April and August of 2018. The fraudulent activity involved no fewer than six stolen checks, accumulating to a total of $150,657.26.
The United States Postal Inspection Service launched an investigation into Willis after discovering his fingerprints on several of the stolen checks. Further evidence was gathered from surveillance footage at various local banks, which captured Willis in the act of depositing the stolen checks. Following his guilty plea to bank fraud on October 20, 2023, Chief United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman delivered Willis’ sentence on March 1, implicating him to 25 months in federal prison. Upon completion of his sentence, Willis is to be placed under three years of supervised release. It is important to note that there is no parole in the federal system, ensuring Willis will serve the full term of his sentence.
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United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz extended his gratitude to Assistant United States Attorney William Bateman for his role in prosecuting the case, as well as to the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation. This sentencing marks a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts to combat financial fraud and uphold the integrity of the United States banking system.
Source: Read Original Release