Giovanni Joseph Indicted for Bank Fraud Scheme Using Stolen Mail

On February 25, 2021, a federal grand jury in Burlington returned a 10-count indictment alleging that Joseph stole checks from the mail, which Joseph allegedly cashed or attempted to cash at various banks around Vermont.  The indictment’s forfeiture notice further alleges that Joseph obtained at least $2,590 in cash through this bank fraud scheme.

Joseph faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine if convicted of bank fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1344, and a maximum sentence of five years if convicted of possessing stolen mail matter in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1708.  His actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines.  

Acting United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Joseph is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defenders David L. McColgin and Sara M. Puls.  The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Spencer Willig.