NYPD Detective Michael Bonanno Pleads Guilty To Operating A Six Figure Bank Fraud Scheme 

NYPD Detective Michael Bonanno has pleaded guilty to his role in a bank fraud scheme. The scheme used stolen checks and bank account numbers from New York-based victims.  Bonanno pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Bonanno’s co-conspirator, Domenic Aiello also pleaded guilty three weeks ago.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: 

Michael Bonanno broke the law by brazenly attempting to swindle hundreds of thousands of dollars from residents of New York.  I commend the FBI and the Internal Affairs Bureau of the NYPD for their outstanding work in this investigation.

NYPD Detective Michael Bonanno was a member of the NYPD Crime Stoppers unit. The unit receives and investigates anonymous tips about criminal activity from members of the community.

Bonanno and Aiello stole and attempted to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from victims’ bank accounts from November 2016 through March 2017. The duo committed their crimes in two ways. Bonanno and Aiello made over 20 payments on Bonanno’s mortgage and credit card bills using stolen account information.  Second, Bonanno and Aiello also attempted to deposit fraudulent and stolen checks into bank accounts controlled by Bonanno a total of 15 times.

As a result, Bonanno also faces a maximum term of 30 years in prison for both guilty pleas. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Gardephe on April 26, 2019.  

Mr. Berman also praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Affairs Bureau of the NYPD in this investigation.

This case is also being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicolas Roos and Danielle R. Sassoon are in charge of the prosecution.          

Also, check out this previous article:

NYPD Detective Michael Bonanno Indicted For Bank Fraud