Show-Me State Times

Four individuals from Warren County, Missouri have recently pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from a bank fraud scheme connected to the theft of mail, checks, and personal information. According to court proceedings, Elijah Briggs, Jessica Kirkpatrick, Reuben Kim, and Holly Naylor admitted their involvement in the criminal activities.

Elijah Briggs, 42, confessed to three counts of bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. He acknowledged stealing mail and checks while working as a contractor, leading to financial losses for various victims. Jessica Kirkpatrick, 44, pleaded guilty to two counts of bank fraud, while Reuben Kim, 36, admitted to two counts of bank fraud. Holly Naylor, 41, also pleaded guilty to two counts of bank fraud in a separate hearing.

Briggs was found to have a substantial amount of stolen mail, debit/credit cards, and fraudulent checks in his possession, totaling over $116,000. Additionally, he was involved in creating and depositing fraudulent checks, with his laptop containing evidence of such activities.

The criminal activities came to light when St. Charles Police Department officers apprehended Briggs in possession of drugs, blank check paper, and fraudulent checks amounting to $40,423. The investigation into the case involved several law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and local police departments.

Bank fraud carries severe penalties, with individuals facing up to 30 years in prison and hefty fines. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Klocke, highlighting the seriousness with which authorities are treating the matter.