CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte bank teller was indicted by a grand jury on charges that she opened bank accounts in customers' names without their knowledge or consent.
As part of her duties, Jaminata Starks, 29, was authorized to open new bank accounts for existing customers and transfer funds between accounts while working at a bank in Charlotte. The indictment alleges that between April 13, 2022, and May 23, 2022, Starks conspired with others to misuse the banks' customers' personal information to fraudulently open new accounts. She's accused of then transferring money from customers' existing accounts into fraudulent accounts and using various methods to withdraw the money.
Prosecutors claim that Starks was offered $1,000 for each fraudulent new account she created. She was indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiring to defraud the United States, four counts of making false entries in a bank record and four counts of aggravated identity theft for her alleged role in the scheme.
Starks transferred at least $120,000 from the bank and made false entries in the bank's books and records, according to the charges. In addition to the charges, the indictment calls for Starks to forfeit at least $30,000, which the federal government alleges she made as part of the scheme.
The charge of making false entries in a bank record carries a maximum of up to 30 years in prison per count. The identity theft charge carries a mandatory two-year prison term. Starks was released on bond following her initial appearance.
RELATED: Truist Bank sued after data breach
Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.