By: Richard L. Smith
A U.S. Army sergeant first class and recruiter from Jersey City has been charged with bank fraud and aggravated identity theft after allegedly using recruits' personal information to submit fraudulent bank applications, according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
Jane Crosby, 33, appeared in Newark federal court on charges of bank fraud and seven counts of aggravated identity theft.
She was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond following the hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre.
According to court documents, between September 12 and December 27, 2023, Crosby used her position to submit fraudulent “Pre-Active Duty Membership” bank account applications for seven U.S. Army recruits without their consent.
These accounts are typically used to facilitate salary deposits for recruits once they join the military. Crosby is accused of using the recruits’ names, Social Security numbers, and other personal identification documents to open these accounts.
She then allegedly applied for loans and credit cards, obtaining approximately $266,000 in fraudulent funds.
If convicted, Crosby faces up to 30 years in prison for bank fraud, with an additional mandatory two years for aggravated identity theft.
She also faces fines totaling up to $1 million or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.
The investigation remains ongoing.