Hudson County Woman Indicted for Allegedly Using Fake IDs to Obtain Debit Cards and Steal More Than $86,000

TRENTON – Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) today announced the indictment of a Hudson County, New Jersey, woman for allegedly obtaining fake debit cards and using them to steal approximately $86,840.

Ibelis Gonzalez, 46, of Jersey City, New Jersey, is charged by indictment with one count of second-degree theft by deception; one count of second-degree impersonation/theft of identity; and one count of third-degree offenses involving false government documents.

“As alleged in the indictment, the defendant coopted the identities of six different people and then stole money from their bank accounts,” said Attorney General Davenport. “Identity theft crimes like these not only have a financial cost but they are extremely disruptive to victims’ lives. We will continue to work with financial institutions to identify these crimes and protect consumers.”

“These cases remind everyone to always safeguard personal identifying information and carefully check financial statements to ensure that someone isn’t accessing your money without your knowledge,” said DCJ Director Theresa Hilton.

According to the indictment, from May 14, 2024, through June 10, 2024, Gonzalez allegedly entered several Citizens Bank branches throughout New Jersey and presented multiple fictious identification documents in the names of victims to obtain debit cards for the accounts of each of six victims. Gonzalez allegedly conducted in-person transactions at multiple Citizens Bank branches throughout New Jersey, withdrawing approximately $60,500. In addition to the in-person withdrawals, the debit cards obtained by Gonzalez were allegedly used at ATMs and for debit transactions to withdraw money. In total, $86,840 was withdrawn from the victims’ accounts.

On June 10, 2024, Gonzalez entered a Citizens Bank branch in Irvington, New Jersey, and allegedly attempted to obtain a debit card in the name of a victim. Bank employees contacted the Irvington Police Department and officers responded and confiscated the identification Gonzalez used to attempt to obtain the debit card. The Massachusetts identification presented had the photograph of Gonzalez but was in the victim’s name and was identified as being fictitious.

Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of up to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree crimes carry a sentence of up to five years in a state prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

The state is represented by Deputy Attorney General Joseph W. Tartaglia of the DCJ Frauds and Forfeitures Bureau.

The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defense counsel: TBD

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