BUFFALO, Sept. 23, 2020 - A U.S. Mail carrier from Pembroke has been arrested and charged with being a “money mule” for various internet-based scam, the U.S. Attorney General’s Office said Wednesday. Julie Keller, 55, of Phelps Road was arrested earlier today and charged with mail fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan P. Cantil, who is handling the case, said that Keller, between 2014 and August, was working as a money mule for various internet based scams, accepting and re-directing thousands of dollars to Africa. During that time, she had accounts closed by at least five different national and local banks due to suspicious cash, check, money order, and wire activity.
A cursory look into Julie Keller’s banking history revealed that she had a pattern of suspicious cash, check, money order and wire activity totaling in excess of $150,000.00 dating back to 2014. Records indicated Keller had been either deceptive or unresponsive when questioned by bank personnel about the nature of her transactions. Her activities included the use of national and local banks, as well as Western Union and MoneyGram.
Keller made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was released on conditions.
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