2002-11-15 -- Henry, Patrick -- Sentencing -- News Release

Newark Man Sentenced to 50 Months in Prison for $4.1 Million Counterfeit Check Scheme

NEWARK - A Newark man was sentenced today on charges that he passed counterfeit checks totaling more than $4.1 million at banks in Jersey City and East Orange and several Newark businesses, U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie announced.

Patrick Henry, 34, was sentenced to 50 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden and forced to pay restitution to the businesses he defrauded. On June 6, 2002, Henry pleaded guilty to a one-count Information charging him with bank fraud, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott S. Christie.

Henry admitted that between Oct. 19, 2000 and Feb. 2001, he purported to be involved in the mortgage brokerage, real estate and construction businesses, through a number of corporate entities, including P.A.F. Development, Inc., a fictitious business with a West Orange address listing.

Henry also stated that on Oct. 19, 2000, he presented a $3.6 million counterfeit check purportedly drawn on the account of P.A.F. Development and deposited it into an account at what was then Summit Bank in Jersey City.

Henry further admitted that during Feb. 2001, he passed more than eight counterfeit checks, purportedly drawn on the trust account of a fictitious New Jersey attorney. These checks were deposited into an account at Independence Community Bank in East Orange and were passed at Vailsburg Wine and Liquors and Broadway Check Cashing in Newark.

As a result of his scheme, Henry admitted that he was successful in receiving about $20,000. Judge Hayden ordered Henry to pay restitution to those he obtained money from in the schemes. He must pay $9,228 in restitution to his former landlord and $5,810 to Vailsburg Wine and Liquors, $3,000 to Independence Community Bank and $1,200 to Broadway Check Cashing.

U.S. Attorney Christie credited FBI Special Agents, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Louie F. Allen, with developing the case against Henry.

The Government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Christie.

Defense: Catherine Donadio, Esq. Montclair