Fake COVID-19 Checks Worth Thousands Created By Reston Man

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Jonathan Drew, 38, of Reston pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, as part of a plot to create counterfeit COVID-19 stimulus checks, according to a U.S. Department of Justice release. He also admitted to trying to execute a series of fraudulent financial transactions.

Raj Parekh, acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, said Drew illegally obtained personal identification and financial information of 150 Fairfax County residents, according to the release. He then used that information to conduct fraudulent transactions and create counterfeit Economic Impact Payments.

Between December 2019 and August 2020, Drew stole the U.S. mail of 150 people in the county, including bank statements, credit cards, credit card statements and W-2 forms, according to court documents. He also stole more than $700,000 in checks, including one COVID-19 stimulus payment.

With the information Drew gathered and the stolen stimulus check, he was able to create fake stimulus checks ranging from $1,200 t0 $2,400 in value, according to court documents. He also received two authentic stimulus payments that he negotiated for himself and used the personally identifiable information of several people to open bank accounts and lease an apartment.

In addition, Drew used counterfeit checks, forged checks, credit cards, and wire transfers to conduct fraudulent transactions, according to court documents.

“We are firmly committed to holding accountable fraudsters who engage in identity theft and exploit a national economic crisis for personal gain at the expense of hardworking members of our communities," Parekh said.

Drew is scheduled to appear Aug. 25 for sentencing in federal court, where he will face a minimum sentence of two years and of maximum 32 years in prison.

This case was investigated and prosecuted by multiple law enforcement entities, including the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia; Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration; the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Fairfax County Police Department; and the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office.