U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo has announced the arrest and charging of Damani Brown, a 28-year-old resident of Rochester, NY. Brown faces multiple charges including conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud, computer fraud, and bank fraud. These charges come with a potential maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire detailed that the charges stem from incidents reported by a Rochester area bank to the FBI in August 2024. The bank discovered unauthorized access to approximately 12 customer accounts during July and August of that year. Brown allegedly used his employee credentials to access these accounts before they were unlawfully manipulated by a co-conspirator.
The total amount transferred without customer consent was approximately $477,000, with around $327,000 either withdrawn as cash or moved through CashApp from various local branches. Victims began contacting the bank within days to report the unauthorized transactions.
In January 2025, FBI investigators obtained warrants to search Google Accounts linked to the thefts. They retrieved verification emails from the bank containing one-time password codes and other notification emails regarding online account changes.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm’s direction. It is important to note that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
