Wallingford Man Racked Up Victim's Debt, Falsely Filed Bankruptcy

WALLINGFORD, CT — A Wallingford man pleaded guilty to bankruptcy fraud. Joel Riley, 47, obtained loans and lines of credit in the name of another person without the person's knowledge, according to the U.S. Attorney District of Connecticut office.

The outstanding debt reached more than $211,000 by December 2016. Riley told an attorney he had power of attorney for the victim and wanted to file bankruptcy for the victim. The attorney told Riley he would need to meet in-person with Riley and the person declaring bankruptcy for that to happen.

An imposter met with the attorney and showed the victim's driver license. They filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy with unsecured debts worth $277,000, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.

The victim learned of the bankruptcy when applying for a department store credit card. The victim contacted with the attorney who filed the bankruptcy and the attorney notified bankruptcy court of the fraud. The court dismissed the bankruptcy petition.

Riley is scheduled to be sentenced in August and faces up to five years in prison. He is free on $100,000 bond.