Two Columbia men plead guilty in bank fraud conspiracy

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Two Columbia men pleaded guilty on Tuesday in federal court to their roles in a bank fraud conspiracy, according to a press release from the Department of Justice.

Chandelle Eugene Marteen, 39, and Jason Lee Patillo, 50, pleaded guilty in separate appearances to participating in a conspiracy to commit bank fraud, while Marteen also pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft, the release says.

Marteen and Patillo admitted they participated in the bank fraud conspiracy from July 2021-March 2023.

The release says that Marteen admitted he stole mail from collection boxes and residences, which led to him obtaining personal and business checks. He allegedly forged signatures and altered the checks, the release says. Marteen also allegedly obtained personal documents and used them to cash the checks, the release says. He opened bank accounts using the stolen documents, deposited the checks into the accounts and withdrew the money, according to the release.

The release says that Patillo admitted he opened a bank account  using Marteen’s instructions and gave him the debit card and account information.