Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced on Mar. 17 the indictment of Ibelis Gonzalez, a Hudson County resident, for allegedly using fake identification documents to obtain debit cards and steal approximately $86,840 from multiple victims.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about identity theft and its impact on individuals’ financial security. The New Jersey Attorney General’s office aims to protect residents’ lives and property, uphold legal standards, and deliver statewide enforcement and legal support according to the official website.
Gonzalez, 46, of Jersey City, faces charges including second-degree theft by deception, second-degree impersonation/theft of identity, and third-degree offenses involving false government documents. According to the indictment, between May 14 and June 10, 2024, Gonzalez allegedly entered several Citizens Bank branches across New Jersey using fictitious identification in the names of six different people to obtain debit cards linked to their accounts. She is accused of withdrawing about $60,500 in person at bank branches and making additional withdrawals at ATMs or through debit transactions for a total loss of $86,840.
Attorney General Davenport said: “As alleged in the indictment, the defendant coopted the identities of six different people and then stole money from their bank accounts. Identity theft crimes like these not only have a financial cost but they are extremely disruptive to victims’ lives. We will continue to work with financial institutions to identify these crimes and protect consumers.”
DCJ Director Theresa Hilton added: “These cases remind everyone to always safeguard personal identifying information and carefully check financial statements to ensure that someone isn’t accessing your money without your knowledge.”
On June 10, 2024, Gonzalez was confronted at a Citizens Bank branch in Irvington after attempting another fraudulent transaction. Police confiscated an identification card that had her photograph but was issued under another person’s name; it was determined to be fictitious.
Second-degree crimes can result in up to ten years in state prison with fines up to $150,000; third-degree crimes carry penalties up to five years imprisonment and fines up to $15,000. The state is represented by Deputy Attorney General Joseph W. Tartaglia of the DCJ Frauds and Forfeitures Bureau.
The New Jersey Attorney General extends its services throughout all counties in the state according to its official website, influencing public safety through law enforcement oversight as reported by the agency. Its statutory mandate includes prosecuting offenses and regulating public safety matters statewide according to its official website. Services provided include legal representation for the state government as well as victim advocacy initiatives according to its official website.
The charges against Gonzalez are accusations only; she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
