45-year-old Alfonso Forney has been arrested and charged with multiple crimes after getting caught attempting to rob a postal worker at gunpoint. This incident was only one scenario that unfolded in what police believe was a string of crimes. Forney is facing a 10-count indictment that includes various charges like identity theft and bank fraud.

On May 31st, Forney appeared in court, where his charges were laid out. Prosecutors believe that Forney enlisted the help of several accomplices between January of 2023 and December of 2023 to commit a massive conspiracy. The group planned to commit several armed robberies targeting USPS mail carriers. The group aimed to steal “arrow keys,” which are types of keys that open postal boxes in a certain area. Typically, these arrow keys open multiple different postal boxes, so they could be used to take mail out of different boxes.

Next, the group would use the keys to steal mail. The group’s main focus was looking to take checks or cash, which were deposited into Forney’s bank accounts. This scam continued up until March of 2024 when Forney was caught.

In one ordeal, Forney attempted to impersonate someone else to gain access to a bank account. He put a lot of effort into this scam, even going so far as to change the address of the victim’s driver’s license to his own address and ordering a duplicate license to be sent to his residence. Once Forney was in, he stole over $245,000 in withdrawals. Then, he took out a $25,000 automobile loan and purchased a vehicle under the victim’s identity.

Under the 10-count indictment, Forney could face up to 39 years in jail if convicted.

Identity Theft, Bank Fraud, and Armed Robbery in Brooklyn

Identity theft is a serious crime under New York law. This type of behavior is considered a class D felony, which could result in a 7-year prison sentence, significant fines, and other potential penalties. Bank fraud is another type of felony crime, but it comes with much more serious consequences. A conviction could result in anywhere from a 5-30 year prison sentence depending on the specific circumstances of the crime. A conviction could also result in fines of up to $1 million.

Any type of robbery with a deadly weapon is also considered a felony under New York law. Typically, this type of crime ranges in severity based on the facts surrounding your case, but in general, a conviction will likely result in at least a 5-year prison sentence.

What’s more, when you face multiple charges, your crimes are likely to be elevated to a higher level. The severity of your punishments will always be reflective of the seriousness of the crimes you reportedly committed. The good news is that you always have the right to secure a lawyer who can help.

Were you recently charged with a crime in Brooklyn or a nearby area? Contact our team now to learn more about how we can help you defend yourself against criminal allegations and achieve the best possible legal outcome in your situation.