United States of America v. Edmilson Rodrigues

Providence, Rhode Island, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with bank fraud and felony possession of ammunition.

Edmilson Rodrigues, 27, was accused of engaging in a conspiracy to commit bank fraud and being a felon in possession of ammunition

“Rodrigues’ decision to engage in yet another check fraud scheme while on supervised released reflects a blatant disregard for the law and for the victims he chose to exploit,” said United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “This office will not hesitate to hold accountable those who repeatedly prey on others for personal gain and we will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to protect the public.”

According to court documents, Rodrigues participated in a multi-year scheme involving stealing mail and generating counterfeit checks. Initially participating in depositing fraudulent checks and withdrawing funds, he later recruited others to do the same, exposing them to potential criminal liability and causing financial harm.

Court documents also reflect Rodrigues engaged in related conduct connected to the broader scheme, including travelling outside the area and using false identifying information. His actions were part of an ongoing pattern of fraudulent activity that extended beyond a single transaction.

“Rodrigues was still on supervised release for check fraud when he chose to return to his criminal ways and launch yet another check fraud conspiracy. He not only stole checks from the mail but also recruited others to join in his scheme to steal the hard-earned money of innocent people to enrich himself. This repeated disregard for the law has earned him several more years in federal prison,” said Homeland Security Investigations New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol. “Fraud and financial crime are a top priority for HSI and we’re working alongside our law enforcement partners to help Rhode Islanders keep their money safe.”

Rodrigues has prior federal convictions for similar fraud-related conduct.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christine Lowell and Denise Barton.

The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with assistance of the Providence and Newport Police Departments.

The Defendant was found guilty and was sentenced to 46 months in prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and being a felon in possession of ammunition, and an additional 12 months to be served consecutively for violations of supervised release,