NEWARK, N.J. — A U.S. Army sergeant first class and recruiter has been charged with bank fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme to defraud a credit union by using the personal information of Army recruits, federal authorities announced on Thursday.
Jane Crosby, 33, of Jersey City, New Jersey, faces one count of bank fraud and seven counts of aggravated identity theft. Crosby appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre in Newark federal court and was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond, according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
Prosecutors allege that between September 12 and December 27, 2023, Crosby used her position as an Army recruiter to submit fraudulent “Pre-Active Duty Membership” bank account applications to a credit union on behalf of seven recruits without their knowledge. These accounts, intended for future service members to receive their military pay, were opened using the recruits’ names, Social Security numbers, and copies of their identification documents.
Authorities say that once the accounts were set up, Crosby applied for approximately $266,000 in loans and credit card accounts in the recruits’ names. She also allegedly used some accounts to deposit fraudulent checks and withdraw funds.
The bank fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine, while the identity theft counts carry a mandatory minimum of two years in prison and a potential fine of up to $250,000.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, led by Special Agent in Charge Joel Kirch. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Kober of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges against Crosby are allegations, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.