A Ukiah man, Andrew William McCormick, 23, has entered a plea of guilty to several felonies, including identity theft, money laundering, and grand theft, after masterminding an elaborate scheme that swindled nearly $20,000 from a Pleasant Hill victim's bank account, authorities said.
McCormick was slapped with charges on February 20, conspiracy to defraud, identity theft, false impersonation, money laundering, and grand theft were just some of the offenses listed in the case that spanned two states, according to a statement by the Contra Costa District Attorney's Office. He had opened a legitimate bank account at a Chase Bank branch in Ukiah on July 22, 2022. He then orchestrated a meeting in Florida on August 26, 2022, with a co-conspirator who deceitfully took on the identity of the Pleasant Hill victim, using stolen personal information to fraudulent ends.
The accomplices opened a joint account linked to the unsuspecting victim's, facilitating wire transfers from the victim's account into theirs in a series of cunning financial maneuvers. McCormick's crime spree involved several electronic transfers and cash withdrawals from different bank branches, effectively emptying the victim's account before fleeing from Florida.
The successful conviction was significantly due to Pleasant Hill Police Officer Andrew Mundy, who untangled the web of deception after an arduous multi-month investigation. Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton underscored the rigorous nature of combatting financial crimes, acknowledging, "When it comes to financial crimes, the challenges can be steep. But Officer Mundy’s impressive investigation and DDA Dana Filkowski's thorough preparation for prosecution led to a just outcome for the victim of this crime," Contra Costa District Attorney statement.
McCormick pleaded guilty to his crimes right before his preliminary hearing was set to commence last Thursday. His sentences include 240 days in county jail, a two-year probation period, and a restitution requirement to pay back the stolen $19,956.44 to the victim.
