A Yonkers man's stint as an alleged identity thief came to a close yesterday when he was arrested for bank fraud and identity theft involving a stolen $810,000 tax refund check. The man identified as 63-year-old Steven Ware is accused of fund-filching by impersonating a Connecticut corporate executive.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Ware engaged in bank account fraud by opening accounts in December 2023 under the names of a Connecticut company and its managing partner at a Massachusetts credit union. After depositing a substantial Treasury check, Ware allegedly used the funds to purchase goods and conduct a series of interstate wire transfers, which were the result of his fraudulent activities.
The charges are severe, with bank fraud potentially resulting in up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $1,000,000. If the aggravated identity theft charge is upheld, it adds a mandatory two-year incarceration term. The federal investigation, supported by a range of agencies including the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, received additional assistance from the Tyngsborough Police Department in addressing this case.
As these details trickle through the justice sieve, it’s important to remember that charges are, at this stage, mere allegations. Ware, like any accused individual, shelters under the presumption of innocence, unless proven guilty — a principle as firm as the gavel that awaits his adjudication.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy praised the interagency effort and emphasized the seriousness of such fraudulent acts. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit will handle the prosecution in this case.
