A former employee of TD Bank, N.A., Jhonnatan Steven Rodriguez, also known as “Jorge,” has admitted to accepting bribes for fraudulently opening over 100 bank accounts. The U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced that Rodriguez, aged 32 from Naples, Florida, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in Newark federal court. He faced charges of receiving bribes and making false bank entries. His sentencing is set for November 25, 2025.
According to court documents and statements, Rodriguez began his illicit activities in late 2022 by opening bank accounts for unknown individuals in return for bribes ranging from $200 to $250 per account. Throughout the scheme, he opened approximately 140 accounts, some of which were used for fraudulent purposes. Rodriguez reportedly forged customer signatures on account documents and used the alias “Jorge” when communicating with clients via a text messaging app.
The charges against Rodriguez include severe penalties. The charge of receiving bribes carries a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment and a fine up to $1 million or three times the value involved in the bribery. Similarly, making false bank entries could result in a maximum penalty of 30 years imprisonment and a fine up to $1 million.
U.S. Attorney Habba credited various agencies with their roles in investigating this case: special agents from the IRS-Criminal Investigation’s Newark Field Office led by Special Agent Jenifer L. Piovesan; DEA’s Caribbean Division under Special Agent Michael A. Miranda; FDIC-Office of Inspector General’s New York Region led by Special Agent Patricia Tarasca; and assistance from Morristown Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marko Pesce is representing the government alongside Trial Attorneys D. Zachary Adams and Chelsea Rooney from the Justice Department’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section.
Defense counsel includes Murdoch Walker, Esq., and Serguel Akiti, Esq.
