In a significant turn of events, two individuals involved in a fraudulent scheme have entered guilty pleas. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, Wilkins Estrella and Charlene Marte admitted to their roles in a conspiracy to misuse stolen personal information from hospital patients to defraud government programs of nearly $1 million. The pair targeted pandemic relief funds, exploiting social security numbers and other sensitive data.
The case highlights a significant breach of trust, as Estrella, a former clerk at a Bronx hospital, unlawfully accessed the personal data of approximately 4,005 patients. The misconduct was first identified during an internal audit in 2020, leading to Estrella's dismissal. He now faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, along with the wrongful disclosure of health information—offenses that carry a combined maximum sentence of 40 years. Marte, who is alleged to have participated in the scheme, faces similar fraud charges and a potential sentence of up to 30 years.
"Wilkins Estrella stole the personal data of thousands of people, including hospital patients, and used this data along with his partner Charlene Marte to claim money that was intended to assist struggling Americans during the pandemic," U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said in the press release. Together, the pair arranged for fraudulently obtained funds to be loaded onto hundreds of debit cards, with the proceeds directed to addresses under their control. This scheme involved the use of stolen identities and the exploitation of a relief program intended to assist during a period of widespread need.
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia told the U.S. Attorney’s Office, "These defendants misused sensitive identifying information to perpetuate this illicit scheme and reap unlawful proceeds," Estrella and Marte have also agreed to joint and several liabilities for forfeiture and restitution totaling $951,618.20, imposing both punitive and reparative measures for the damage caused.
The coordinated investigation by the FBI and DOL-OIG, with support from the New York State Department of Labor, highlights continued efforts to address fraud and enforce applicable laws. Sentencing is scheduled for Marte on November 5, and for Estrella on December 1. The conclusion of the case is expected to finalize legal proceedings and implement measures to prevent similar violations in the future.
