HARRISBURG, PA — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced on Friday that Tyreese Lewis, 23, was sentenced for leading a scheme that defrauded central Pennsylvania residents and financial institutions out of nearly $2 million. Lewis pleaded guilty to several charges, including theft and fraud. He was sentenced to two and a half to five years in prison and must pay $800,000 in restitution.
Between January 2022 and August 2023, Lewis and his accomplices used stolen banking information to withdraw cash and buy gift cards, hiding their crimes. Lewis also pretended to be a customer service representative from a bank, tricking people into giving him their banking details.
Attorney General Henry stressed the seriousness of these crimes, saying they not only harmed individuals and institutions but also damaged trust in the financial system.
Co-conspirators Carl A. Gonzalez and Jaire Cotton have already been sentenced, while Lavon Whittaker and Zyaire Monserrat are still awaiting sentencing. Lewis also received an additional two to four years in prison for fraudulently obtaining pandemic unemployment assistance, adding $54,000 to his restitution. This sentence will be served after his punishment for the bank fraud. Deputy Attorney General Kayla Bolan, who handled the case, emphasized the state’s dedication to fighting financial crimes.