KC Reporter

A former Kansas City resident, Gerald Humphrey Jr., has admitted guilt in a federal court for his role in a conspiracy to commit bank fraud against two local financial institutions. Appearing before Magistrate Judge Jill A. Morris, Humphrey, aged 30, pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

Humphrey conceded in court that he engaged in a deliberate agreement to defraud FDIC-insured institutions. The investigation began on July 1, 2022, following a tip-off to the FBI in Kansas City from an institution reporting a check fraud scheme. Individuals were allegedly recruited on social media, offering their debit cards and PINs to the fraudsters, who then deposited fake checks into the accounts. Surveillance footage revealed Humphrey and another individual depositing these checks.

The perpetrators made cash withdrawals from ATMs, purchased items with debit cards, and transferred funds via Cash App. The FBI identified two local financial institutions as targets of this scheme, which reportedly began in April 2022 and concluded by at least September 2022. Losses amounted to approximately $90,000, with potential losses estimated at $400,000.

Humphrey faces up to 30 years in federal prison without the possibility of parole, according to federal statutes. However, the actual sentencing will be determined by the court based on various advisory guidelines and legal factors. The sentencing date will be decided following a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David Ketchmark is prosecuting the case, with the investigation carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the cooperation of investigators from the financial institutions affected.