Springfield Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud Scheme

A 39-year-old Springfield man has admitted to participating in a fraud scheme involving stolen and counterfeit checks.

Robert Simon Rees pleaded guilty Wednesday to bank fraud and possessing stolen mail. Prosecutors say the fraud scheme caused about $19,700 in financial harm to 10 victims. Under the plea deal, Rees was ordered to pay $1,607 in restitution to three victims.

Reeds admitted that from April to July in 2017, he and others stole checks, letters and documents from mailboxes, vehicles and homes. The material contained personal information from individuals, which was used to create forged and counterfeit power of attorney documents. He also tried to cash stolen checks, and created counterfeit checks and identifications. He used those materials either to cash the fraudulent checks or to make personal purchases.