(WNY News Now) – Rochester – ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Nickola Ferra, a resident of Greece, NY, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. Ferra’s guilty plea comes with the potential for a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is prosecuting the case, Ferra was involved in a wide-ranging fraudulent operation that included document fraud, bank fraud, retail theft, and identity theft. The scheme involved acquiring merchandise through theft or deception from local retailers, which was either returned for gift cards and store credits or sold to third parties.
Ferra’s fraudulent activities extended to presenting forged and stolen passports, as well as other stolen identification documents, to merchants. The operation also included renting cars and booking hotel rooms using stolen identities. In addition, Ferra attempted to open credit cards and secure loans under other individuals’ names. The investigation has revealed at least ten victims of identity theft and significant financial losses amounting to thousands of dollars.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, led by Special Agent-in-Charge Brian Wood.
Ferra is scheduled for sentencing on January 28, 2025, at 9:15 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.
Leave a Reply