Feds say former Chase Bank teller stole thousands from elderly customer’s account
A former teller for Chase Bank is facing a federal charge for allegedly stealing more than $32,000 from an elderly customer’s account.
Alan Lee Hardy, 37, is charged with one count of bank fraud involving a victim who’s more than 90 years old, according to an indictment unsealed April 21. The alleged fraud is said to have occurred in a single transaction in 2016 at the Chase Bank at 3300 E. Jefferson in Detroit while Hardy worked there.
The charge was brought following an investigation conducted by detectives from the Novi Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service.
“Elders are among the most vulnerable members of our society,” Acting U.S. Attorney Saima Mohsin stated in a news release. “They are often seen as an easy target by those who seek to take advantage of them. My office is committed to bringing those who prey on our seniors to justice.”
Added Novi Police Chief David Molloy: “Every year millions of elderly Americans are victims of theft and fraud. I’m very proud of the efforts of our detectives and task force officers who investigated this case and were committed to seeing justice prevail.
“The relationships the Novi Police Department has with our federal partners affords us additional resources in identifying and prosecuting those who prey on our most vulnerable population,” he stated.
Douglas Zloto, U.S. Secret Service special agentin-charge, added that his department is dedicated to ensuring the public’s confidence in the country’s financial institutions and addressing elder fraud.
“These investigations can be time consuming, but law enforcement is committed to bringing individuals who take advantage of our seniors to justice. This case highlights that commitment as well as the partnership between the Novi Police Department, the Southeast Michigan Financial Crimes Taskforce and the U.S Attorney’s Office,” he stated. To date, the victim reportedly has received no compensation for the money allegedly taken from his account.
Assistant United States Attorney Mitra JafaryHariri and Chief of the White Collar Crimes Unit John Neal are prosecuting the case. Hariri is the Elder Justice Coordinator for the Eastern District of Michigan.