KC Reporter

A Bronx man has admitted guilt in a federal court to bank fraud related to fraudulent automobile loans obtained using stolen identities. Theo D. Cooke, aged 34, entered his guilty plea before U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips.

Court documents reveal that Cooke applied online for car loans from local financial institutions, using personal information stolen from an identity theft victim. This included the victim's name, date of birth, and social security number. Cooke also submitted fake supporting documents with the loan applications, such as a fabricated Certificate of Title for the vehicle supposedly being bought, a false pay stub under the victim's name, and a counterfeit Missouri-Proof of Auto Insurance Card.

Once the loan was approved, Cooke visited bank branches where he signed agreements and notes in the victim's name. He presented a fake driver's license featuring his photo but bearing the victim's details to finalize these loans. This scheme took place between January and May 2023 and affected several banks in Missouri, resulting in payouts of at least $199,000 based on Cooke’s fraudulent activities.

Cooke faces up to 30 years in federal prison without parole under federal statutes. However, his sentence will be determined by the court following advisory guidelines and statutory factors after a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley Cooper is prosecuting this case which was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.