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Date: 09-16-2021

Case Style:

United States of America v. Keith D. O'Kelly

Case Number: 2:19-cr-00242-JLG

Judge: James L. Graham

Court: United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio (Franklin County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: United States Attorney’s Office

Defendant's Attorney:


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Description: Columbus, OH: Criminal defense lawyer represented Defendant charged with bank fraud.

In January 2020, while on pretrial release, O’Kelly applied for employment at another bank and once again falsely represented a Social Security number as his own.

Once employed at the banks, O’Kelly accessed and obtained the banking information of multiple customers to initiate unauthorized payments and transactions for his own financial benefit. For example, in December 2017, while employed as a bank manager, O’Kelly used the information of two bank customers to pay $10,000 toward his own personal credit account.

The defendant also submitted a fake letter to the Court purportedly from former Secretary of State and retired four-star general Colin Powell in support of a lenient sentence for the defendant.

In March 2021, Keith D. O’Kelly, 51, submitted a fraudulent letter to the Court in relation to a contemplated sentence for his bank fraud conduct. The letter was purportedly from former Secretary of State Colin Powell and recounted a personal story and support in favor of a lenient sentence for O’Kelly. When the United States asked for a point of contact to authenticate the letter, O’Kelly purchased a new phone and provided the number to the government. The government called the number and received a call back from a person claiming to be Powell’s personal assistant of 12 years. The caller said Powell dictated the letter for him to send to O’Kelly. O’Kelly admitted to fabricating the letter and being the caller.

Bank fraud is a federal crime punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Using a false document carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison. Congress sets the minimum and maximum statutory sentences. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

Vipal J. Patel, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Dan Leeper, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the plea offered today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Norah McCann King. Assistant United States Attorney Brenda S. Shoemaker and Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher N. St. Pierre are representing the United States in this case.

Outcome: Defendant pleaded guilty.

09/09/2021 55 Order Regarding Use Of Video Conferencing/Teleconferencing as to Keith Darnell O'Kelly Signed by Magistrate Judge Norah McCann King on 9/9/21. (sh) (Entered: 09/09/2021)
09/09/2021 56 Consent to Plead Guilty Before a U.S. Magistrate Judge as to Keith Darnell O'Kelly. (sh) (Entered: 09/09/2021)
09/09/2021 57 WAIVER OF INDICTMENT by Keith Darnell O'Kelly (sh) (Entered: 09/09/2021)
09/09/2021 58 Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Norah McCann King:Arraignment on Super Info and Plea Agreement Hearing as to Keith Darnell O'Kelly held on 9/9/2021; Dft consents to appear via video Dft appeared with counsel and consents to plead before a US Magistrate Judge; Dft waives Indictment; Dft pleads GUILTY to the pending charges; RR to be issued PSI to be ordered; Dft to remain in custody pending sentencing. (Court Reporter: Mary Schweinhagen) (sh) (Entered: 09/09/2021)
09/09/2021 59 Order Regarding Use Of Video Conferencing/Teleconferencing as to Keith Darnell O'Kelly Signed by Magistrate Judge Norah McCann King on 9/9/21. (sh) (Entered: 09/09/2021)
09/09/2021 60 REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS on Plea of Guilt be accepted as to Keith Darnell O'Kelly; Objections to R&R due by 9/23/2021. Signed by Magistrate Judge Norah McCann King on 9/9/21. (sh) (Entered: 09/09/2021)

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