Two Women Sentenced to Prison for Bank Fraud and Burglary Scheme

Strategic Insights -

Angelica Dominguez, 41, and her wife Billy Jo Gussler, 44, were sentenced to prison for a bank fraud scheme that spanned over two years and a burglary of a Tesuque Pueblo gas station. The scheme caused over $40,000 in losses, while the burglary resulted in nearly $2,500 in losses, including property damage. The pair pled guilty to charges and will serve 33 and 37 months in prison, respectively, followed by three years of supervised release.

Key Takeaways:

  • Angelica Dominguez and Billy Jo Gussler, both non-Native American women, carried out a bank fraud scheme that caused over $40,000 in losses, and a burglary of a Tesuque Pueblo gas station that resulted in nearly $2,500 in losses.
  • The scheme involved stealing and fraudulently cashing checks intended for other people between January 2020 and August 2022.
  • The pair was linked to the burglary when Dominguez attempted to cash stolen lottery tickets the next day.
  • Dominguez and Gussler pled guilty to one count of theft in Indian Country and seven counts of bank fraud.
  • Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meg Tomlinson and Maria Stiteler are prosecuting the cases.
  • The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Tesuque Tribal Police, Quay County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Santa Fe Police Department, Espanola Police Department, and New Mexico State Police assisted in the investigation.

Statistics:

  • The bank fraud scheme caused over $40,000 in actual losses.
  • The burglary of the Tesuque Pueblo gas station resulted in nearly $2,500 in losses, including property damage.
  • Angelica Dominguez was sentenced to 33 months' imprisonment, and Billy Jo Gussler to 37 months' imprisonment.
  • Both women will serve three years of supervised release upon their release from prison.

Sources:

  • "U.S. Attorney's Office, Department of Justice"