Terrance Hart, a 47-year-old resident of Garfield, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on May 21 to charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft that resulted in losses exceeding $250,000. U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced the plea agreement following proceedings before U.S. District Court Judge Stanley R. Chesler in Newark federal court.
The case is significant because it involves fraudulent schemes targeting financial institutions and the United States Treasury, with Hart admitting his role in orchestrating the theft of government funds through false bank accounts.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made during court proceedings, Hart opened or directed others to open various bank accounts using names of other individuals or entities while maintaining control over them. He then deposited fraudulently obtained funds—including stolen United States Treasury checks—into these accounts before withdrawing money for personal use.
Hart faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 for wire fraud, or twice the value gained or lost if greater. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years imprisonment and an additional fine up to $250,000 or twice the gain or loss amount if greater.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents from both the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Franklin Township Resident Agency under Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation under Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan for their roles in investigating this matter leading up to Hart’s plea agreement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Kogan from the Cybercrime Unit is representing the government at sentencing scheduled for October 14.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey prosecutes federal crimes and represents the United States in civil matters across New Jersey; it staffs about 170 attorneys and support personnel covering offices located in Newark, Trenton, and Camden as part of its statewide operations according to its official website.
