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.