HARRISBURG, PA — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced the sentencing on Friday of Tyreese Lewis, who led a conspiracy defrauding central Pennsylvania residents and financial institutions of nearly $2 million. Lewis, 23, pleaded guilty to charges including corrupt organizations, theft by unlawful taking, and access device fraud. He received a prison sentence of two and a half to five years and must pay $800,000 in restitution.
From January 2022 to August 2023, Lewis and his accomplices exploited stolen banking information to withdraw cash and purchase gift cards, masking their thefts. Lewis also posed as a financial institution’s customer service representative, tricking victims into revealing banking details.
Attorney General Henry highlighted the severe impact of such crimes. “Lewis’s fraudulent activities not only targeted individuals and institutions, but also undermined the trust that is fundamental to our financial system,” she stated.
Co-conspirators Carl A. Gonzalez and Jaire Cotton were previously sentenced, while Lavon Whittaker and Zyaire Monserrat await sentencing. Additionally, Lewis was sentenced to two to four years for fraudulently acquiring pandemic unemployment assistance, adding $54,000 in restitution. This sentence will be served consecutively to his punishment for the bank fraud scheme. Deputy Attorney General Kayla Bolan prosecuted the case, emphasizing the state’s commitment to tackling financial crimes.
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