Uniondale Woman Sentenced for $75K Bank Fraud Scheme

Defendant used forged documents and straw applicants in multiple failed loan attempts totaling $400,000.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:35pm

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A Uniondale woman was sentenced to 4-8 years in prison for a $75,000 bank loan fraud scheme involving forged documents and straw applicants. The defendant, Janelle DeFreitas, had also unsuccessfully tried to acquire $400,000 in loans from different bank branches using similar tactics.

Why it matters

Loan fraud continues to be an ongoing challenge for lenders and law enforcement, hurting banking institutions and consumers. This case highlights the need for vigilance against sophisticated fraud schemes that target the financial system.

The details

Between June 2021 and January 2022, DeFreitas orchestrated multiple schemes to fraudulently obtain business express loans from Dime Bank using a straw applicant. She and an accomplice applied for over $400,000 in loans tied to Brooklyn-based businesses allegedly owned by DeFreitas, submitting falsified corporate and financial documents. One $75,000 loan was approved after DeFreitas provided forged documents about the company's finances and incorporation. She then withdrew $45,000 from the account to pay personal debts and bills.

  • Between June 29, 2021 and Jan. 18, 2022, DeFreitas orchestrated the fraud schemes.
  • On Aug. 24-30, 2021, DeFreitas obtained the $75,000 loan from Dime Bank.
  • In September 2021, Dime Bank closed the fraudulent account after it had under $1,000 remaining.

The players

Janelle DeFreitas

A Uniondale woman convicted of second-degree grand larceny and third-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument for her role in the $75,000 bank fraud scheme.

Anne Donnelly

The Nassau County district attorney who prosecuted the case, stating that DeFreitas 'made a career out of lying and defrauding' through 'elaborate schemes to get access to thousands of dollars in business loans.'

Dime Bank

The bank that approved a $75,000 loan to DeFreitas based on forged documents, before later closing the fraudulent account.

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What they’re saying

“'Janelle DeFreitas made a career out of lying and defrauding, setting up elaborate schemes to get access to thousands of dollars in business loans.'”

— Anne Donnelly, Nassau County District Attorney

“'Today, we put an end to her charade, and she is heading behind bars for nearly a decade. Loan fraud continues to be an ongoing challenge for lenders and law enforcement that hurts banking institutions, and ultimately, consumers. My office will continue to work with lenders to stay ahead of fraudsters and prosecute them when they try to fake their way into a payday.'”

— Anne Donnelly, Nassau County District Attorney

What’s next

The judge will determine if DeFreitas will be allowed bail while she appeals her conviction.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for financial institutions and law enforcement to remain vigilant against sophisticated fraud schemes that target the banking system, in order to protect consumers and the integrity of the financial sector.