New Jersey Man Admits His Role in a Scheme Involving the Theft of More Than $250,000

Newark, N.J. - A New Jersey man admitted to engaging in wire fraud and aggravated identity theft that caused losses of more than $250,000, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Terrance Hart, 47, of Garfield, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Stanley R. Chesler in Newark federal court yesterday to an Information charging him with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The sentencing date is scheduled for October 14. 2026.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Hart opened or caused others to fraudulently open various bank accounts in the names of other individuals or entities, but that were actually under his control. Hart then deposited or caused others to deposit fraudulently obtained funds, including stolen United States Treasury checks, into the bank accounts. Then, Hart withdrew money from the bank accounts and converted the resulting funds to his personal use.

The wire fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the value of the gain or loss, whichever is greater. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the value of the gain or loss, whichever is greater.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Franklin Township Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, and special agents of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan in Newark with the investigation leading to this plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Kogan of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark.

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Defense counsel: Claressa Lowe, Esq.