NorCal Man Convicted In Sophisticated Bank Account Takeover Scam: DA

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA – A 23-year-old Ukiah man pled guilty to felony identity theft, money laundering and grand theft that bilked a Pleasant Hill victim of nearly $20,000.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office charged Andrew William McCormick with multiple felony violations on Feb. 20, including conspiracy to defraud, identity theft, false impersonation, money laundering and grand theft in a scheme he is accused of executing in Florida targeting an account holder at a Chase Bank branch in Pleasant Hill.

Prosecutors said McCormick began his financial crime by opening a legitimate account in his name on July 22, 2022, at a Chase Bank branch in the Mendocino County city of Ukiah. He then scheduled an in-person appointment at a Chase Bank branch in Plantation, Florida, for Aug. 26, 2022.

He flew to Florida on Aug. 25 and met with a co-conspirator who impersonated the Pleasant Hill victim and used the victim's stolen identifying information. While in Florida, the two went to the pre-scheduled bank meeting, where they opened a joint account and linked it to the victim's checking account.

Later, McCormick made phone transfers totaling $19,956.44 from the victim's account to the new one and then an electronic transfer of $12,300 to his account in Ukiah. Prosecutors said McCormick continued to make electronic transfers and cash withdrawals from five other bank branches until he drained the victim's account. He left Florida that same day.

Pleasant Hill Police Officer Andrew Mundy conducted a monthslong investigation, piecing together information obtained through multiple search warrants to build a solid case against McCormick.

"When it comes to financial crimes, the challenges can be steep," Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton said. "But Officer Mundy’s impressive investigation and DDA Dana Filkowski’s thorough preparation for prosecution led to a just outcome for the victim of this crime."

Shortly before a preliminary hearing on Thursday, Oct. 3, McCormick pleaded guilty to identity theft, money laundering and grand theft of personal property.

Under the plea agreement, McCormick faces eight months in county jail and two years of probation. He also agreed to repay the victim the amount he stole.