(WNY News Now) – ROCHESTER, N.Y. – A Rochester woman has been charged with wire fraud and access device fraud after allegedly defrauding local businesses and charities of nearly $89,000 through a fraudulent gift card scheme.
According to U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, Jessica Stadt, 43, was charged by criminal complaint and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
Authorities began investigating Stadt in March 2023 for allegedly acquiring physical and electronic gift cards under the pretense that they would benefit disadvantaged children and communities. Instead, she reportedly sold the gift cards at a discount through Facebook Messenger, instructing buyers to send payments to her personal Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App accounts.
In total, Stadt is accused of selling approximately 607 gift cards, resulting in an estimated $88,882.60 in losses to businesses and nonprofit organizations, including Wegmans and Youth Advocate Programs.
Stadt made her initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was released on conditions.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan and the Monroe County Sheriff’s office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Leave a Reply