Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced on Mar. 17 that a Hudson County woman has been indicted for allegedly using fake identification documents to obtain debit cards and steal approximately $86,840 from multiple victims.
The indictment highlights the ongoing risks of identity theft and its impact on both financial institutions and individuals. Such crimes can disrupt victims’ lives and result in significant financial losses.
Ibelis Gonzalez, 46, of Jersey City, is charged with 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 visited 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 then conducted in-person withdrawals totaling about $60,500 at various branches. Additional funds were withdrawn through ATM and debit transactions using the fraudulently obtained cards, bringing the total loss to $86,840.
On June 10, 2024, Gonzalez reportedly attempted to secure another debit card at a Citizens Bank branch in Irvington. Bank employees contacted local police after suspecting fraudulent activity. Officers responded and confiscated an identification card that bore Gonzalez’s photograph but was issued under a victim’s name; it was determined to be fictitious.
“As alleged in the indictment, the defendant coopted the identities of six different people and then stole money from their bank accounts,” said Attorney General Davenport. “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.”
“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,” said Division of Criminal Justice Director Theresa Hilton.
Second-degree charges carry penalties of up to ten years in state prison and fines up to $150,000; third-degree charges may result in up to five years imprisonment or fines up to $15,000. The state is represented by Deputy Attorney General Joseph W. Tartaglia of the Division of Criminal Justice Frauds and Forfeitures Bureau.
The New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin aims to protect residents’ lives and property while providing statewide enforcement support according to its official website. The office extends its authority throughout all counties in New Jersey according to its official website and influences public safety through law enforcement oversight according to its official website. It holds statutory authority over prosecution and regulation matters statewide according to its official website, offering services such as legal representation for the state government, crime lab support, victim advocacy programs, consumer protection initiatives according to its official website, as well as handling justice-related functions across New Jersey according to its official website.
The charges against Gonzalez are accusations only; she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
