News Summary
Sterlyn Lee Smith Jr. from Lancaster, CA, has been sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for his role in a $1.2 million money order forgery scheme. Over six years, Smith and accomplices fraudulently altered legitimate money orders and deposited them into accounts of unsuspecting victims. He faces significant restitution payments and a three-year supervised release after serving his prison term. The case underscores the importance of vigilance against financial crimes.
Lancaster Man Sentenced for Major Money Order Forgery Scheme
In a recent development out of Lancaster, California, a man named Sterlyn Lee Smith Jr., aged 49, has been handed a hefty sentence of 57 months in federal prison for his involvement in a massive money order forgery scheme that racked up more than $1.2 million in fraudulent funds. It might seem hard to believe, but the fraudulent activities spanned nearly six years, from July 31, 2013, to February 13, 2019.
How It All Went Down
Smith, along with a group of accomplices, devised a plan that saw them purchasing legitimate money orders from United States Post Offices located in both California and Nevada. However, instead of using these money orders for their intended purposes, they went about fraudulently altering them to show higher dollar amounts. This clever manipulation allowed them to deposit the fake money orders into bank accounts that had been set up in the names of other unsuspecting individuals.
A Chilling Pattern of Fraud
During their operation, Smith and his associates managed to deposit or even attempt to deposit over 1,200 forged money orders. The scheme was particularly brazen; once these money orders were successfully deposited, they quickly withdrew the funds before the banks had a chance to catch on to the forgery. This method of operation showcases a clear and calculated approach to financial crime.
Facing Justice
After an investigation, Smith eventually pleaded guilty to two counts of bank fraud—one for each bank that fell victim to his scheme. To add to the fallout of his actions, the court ordered him to pay a significant amount of restitution, totaling $432,482.63, to the victims impacted by his fraudulent activities. It’s not just about the prison time; there are serious financial repercussions as well.
Investigative Efforts
The case was brought to light thanks to the tireless efforts of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), which conducted a thorough investigation into the fraudulent activities that took place. Prosecutors Kimberly Frayn and Justin Washburne played pivotal roles in ensuring justice was served, and their work highlights the importance of vigilance in the fight against financial crimes.
Aftermath and Ongoing Alerts
In addition to his prison sentence, Smith will also face three years of supervised release once he completes his time behind bars. This means he’ll have to adhere to specific conditions and continue to be monitored even after his release.
As we reflect on this case, it serves as a reminder for everyone, particularly those who use the mail for financial transactions. There are numerous individuals out there looking to exploit the system for personal gain, and it’s crucial to stay informed. If you suspect any sort of mail fraud or notice irregularities with your financial transactions, you are encouraged to report them right away. The USPS Fraud Complaint Hotline at 1-800-372-8347 is available to assist those who suspect fraudulent activities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- 2News: California Man Convicted for Forging Over $1.2 Million in Money Orders
- Wikipedia: Money Orders
- News 3 LV: Man Sentenced to 57 Months for Money Order Fraud Scheme
- Google Search: Money Order Fraud
- KTLA: Los Angeles County Man Sentenced for $1.2 Million Money Order Fraud
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraud
- Hometown Station: Lancaster Man Sentenced for Forging $1.2 Million in Money Orders
- Google News: Money Order Fraud
- News Break: Man Sentenced to 57 Months for $1.2M Money Order Fraud
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
