LAREDO, Texas Two former employees of IBC Bank in Laredo have been ordered to federal prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and ordered to pay more than $200,000 in restitution, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Antonieta De La Cruz, 36, and Anaiza Morales, 38, both of Laredo, pleaded guilty to the charges in December 2015 and February 2016, respectfully.
Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaa, who accepted the guilty pleas, handed both De La Cruz and Morales 27-month-terms of federal imprisonment. Both were further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $219,720.11 to IBC Bank. In handing down the sentences, the court noted that IBC Bank tries to promote from within and has an interest in their employees reaching their full potential which is why this (breach of trust) is such a shame.
From 2011 to July 2014, De La Cruz and Morales misused their positions as IBC Sales Associates to execute 31 unauthorized loans and loan advances by falsifying bank records, forging signatures and endorsements and pledging customers certificate of deposits as collateral without their knowledge or consent.
As a result of the scheme, IBC suffered a total loss of approximately $219,720.11.
Morales was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. De La Cruz has been and will remain in custody.
The U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher S. Coker is prosecuting the case.
--DOJ Southern District of Texas
Source: U.S. Secret Service