Columbus bank employee charged in $800K fraud scheme, police say. Others may be involved
A Navy Federal Credit Union employee has been arrested after the Columbus Police Department discovered fraud activity amounting to more than $800,000, CPD said in a news release Wednesday.
Police said Steven Verrett used legitimate customers at his desk as cover while he deposited counterfeit checks and opened fraudulent vehicle loans.
Verrett would then funnel the money back to himself and co-conspirators, according to police.
Police said the initial five checks were reported stolen from the mail and amounted to more than $800,000.
Investigators have identified at least eight Navy Federal Credit Union accounts involved in the fraudulent activities, according to police.
Police said Verrett was taken into custody Tuesday and charged with the following:
- Forgery third-degree (five counts)
- Identity fraud (three counts)
- Criminal attempt theft by deception (two counts)
- Theft by deception (two counts)
- Financial transaction card forgery
- Computer trespass
- Computer invasion of privacy
- Computer forgery
Verrett is expected to appear in Recorder’s Court at 9 a.m. Friday, according to police.
Police said additional charges for Verrett and arrests of co-conspirators are pending.
This story was originally published May 30, 2024 at 11:55 AM.