Men indicted on fraud, identity theft, and conspiracy charges
BUFFALO – A federal grand jury in Buffalo has returned a 68-count indictment charging a Buffalo, man with defrauding various individuals, companies, and financial institutions, resulting in a total financial loss of over $1,000,000. Brian Smith, 40, could face a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Smith is also charged with aggravated identity theft, which carries a penalty of two years in prison.
Kelly Atkinson, 30, of Wake Forest, North Carolina, was also indicted on 13 counts, related to his role in some of the schemes to defraud.
According to the indictment, Smith caused fraudulent loan applications and supporting documentation to be submitted to banks, credit unions, peer to peer lenders, and other business entities. In addition, Smith is accused of defrauding individuals out of funds under the guise of investing their money in real estate, when, in fact, he personally spent the money and did not purchase real estate. The indictment also charges Smith with using stolen identifying information from an individual to open a credit card and to obtain a vehicle.
Defendant Atkinson is charged with causing fraudulent loan applications and supporting documentation to be submitted to a credit union and another business for the purpose of obtaining loans.
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