August 02, 2016
A South Jersey woman admitted embezzling more than $600,000 from dormant customer accounts while working as a bank teller.
Telisha Trent, 43, of Williamstown, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to bank fraud and money laundering, United States Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
According to court documents, Trent worked at a TD Bank branch in Sewell. From August 2014 through September 2015, she identified dormant accounts that were mostly held by elderly customers.
Trent stole money from accounts held by customers who she determined would be unlikely to notice that funds had been removed.
Trent would issue a cashier's check in her name or transfer funds through a series of accounts that she controlled in an attempt to conceal her fraud.
In total, Trent acquired $608,000 from eight customers across three states: New Jersey, Connecticut and Ohio. She used the money on home renovations, trips, cars and other items.
TD Bank officials eventually discovered Trent's activity and reimbursed all victims.
Trent faces a maximum of 40 years in prison and a fine of $1.25 million. Her sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 7.
