Woman Started Fake Charity for Newton School Shooting Victim, Pleads Guilty to Financial Fraud

A woman from the Bronx has now pled guilty to financial fraud charges, after being indicted for creating a fake charity to make money from the Newton School Shootings.

Nouel Alba, 37, claimed to have been the aunt of a child who was killed in the mass shooting at the Connecticut elementary school in December. She started a fake burial fund charity for the child to make money. On Thursday, June 6th, she pled guilty to federal financial fraud charges of wire fraud and making false statements.

According to federal authorities, Alba began her charity on the day of the shootings, using Facebook, email, text messages, and phone calls, falsely claiming to be the aunt of a child who had been shot. Records show that she made up details about the aftermath of the shooting in order to collect money for a “burial fund” for the child’s family, and for other families who lost loved ones in the massacre.

She also emailed the PTA of the Newton school to create the fictional relationship that would support her financial fraud.

“While we believe that this case has had a deterrent effect on other potential bad actors, individuals who ignore this warning and operate these schemes face federal or state prosecution to the fullest extent permitted by law,” said US Attorney Deirdre Daly.

Prosecutors also say that Alba lied to federal authorities about her financial fraud. However, the total amount donated was only $5,000, and was returned after donors discovered her fraud.

“While there wasn’t a substantial loss of money in this investigation, there were losses beyond any pecuniary measure,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Kimberly Mertz. “Ms. Alba’s actions caused undue sadness and harm to those already suffering and to those involved with running legitimate and caring charities. While her guilty plea is just, our thoughts today are with the victims of the Newtown tragedy and their families and friends.”

Alba was arrested on December 27th, then released on a $50,000 bond. She is scheduled to be sentenced on August 29th, and faces up to 25 years in prison – 20 for the wire fraud charge, and 5 for making false statements.

Financial Fraud, Wire Fraud, and Other Federal Charges

The law broadly defines wire fraud as devising or intending to devise a scheme to defraud others of money or property under false or fraudulent pretenses, representations or promises by means of electronic communications, or “wires.” Because they typically involve interstate matters, most wire fraud cases are considered federal crimes with convictions carrying heavy fines, prison sentences of up to 20 years, or both.

Our federal criminal defense lawyers handle cases involving:

• Fraudulent insurance claims

• Bond issuances and investment schemes

• Falsifying loan applications

• Check fraud schemes

• Bribes or kickbacks

• False advertising or misrepresentation in sales transactions

The Strom Law Firm Defends Against Federal Financial Fraud Charges

As a former U.S. Attorney, Pete Strom handled these types of criminal fraud cases, from RICO violations to financial fraud and wire fraud. If you have been charged with financial, bank, mail, or wire fraud, or making false statements, contact the Strom Law Firm, LLC today for a free consultation to discuss the most effective defense to your case and how to avoid further personal and professional damage. We handle your case with utmost discretion, exploring every viable strategy to secure a most favorable outlook. 803.252.4800.