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 is significant because it highlights the risks of identity theft and its impact on both individuals and financial institutions. The case also demonstrates ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address such crimes across New Jersey.
Ibelis 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 visited several Citizens Bank branches throughout New Jersey using fictitious identification in the names of six different people to obtain debit cards linked to their accounts. She then used these cards for in-person withdrawals totaling about $60,500 as well as additional ATM and debit transactions that brought the total amount stolen to $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 said, “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 employees contacted police when she attempted another fraudulent transaction. Officers confiscated an identification card bearing her photo but issued under a victim’s name; it was determined to be fictitious.
Second-degree crimes can result in up to ten years in state prison and fines up to $150,000; third-degree crimes carry penalties of 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 charges are accusations at this stage; Gonzalez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin aims to protect residents’ lives and property while providing statewide enforcement according to its official website. The office extends its authority throughout all counties and municipalities in New Jersey according to its official website. It influences public safety through law enforcement oversight as reported by its official website and holds statutory authority over prosecution and regulation matters statewide according to its official website. Services include legal representation for the state government, crime lab support, victim advocacy programs, consumer protection initiatives according to its official website, as well as general justice administration across New Jersey according to its official website.
