Rosalio Pena Sandres, a 45-year-old Honduran national from Luquigue, has been sentenced to 33 months in prison for his involvement in an extensive bank fraud conspiracy that caused significant losses to small businesses and community banks across more than a dozen states. This sentencing, handed down by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on June 18, 2026, makes Pena Sandres the sixth individual imprisoned for the scheme.
Pena Sandres pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of illegal re-entry. In addition to his prison term, he will serve one year of supervised release and is ordered to pay $533,043 in restitution to the victims. U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred highlighted Pena Sandres's role in two key incidents: on January 11, 2023, he and co-conspirators cashed 169 fraudulent paychecks totaling $233,569 at three Indiana bank branches, disguised as checks from a dairy farm company. Later, on June 23, 2023, they cashed 178 fraudulent paychecks worth $299,474 at banks and check cashing businesses in Oklahoma, appearing to be from a building materials supply company. Due to his illegal status, Pena Sandres will face immediate removal from the United States upon his release.
Officials underscored the severe impact of such crimes. HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino said, "The economic impact of these fraud schemes damages the well-being and quality of life in these communities." FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley added, "The sentencing of another member of this fraud conspiracy sends a clear message that those who target American businesses and financial institutions will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted." Sgt. Jeremy Piers of the Indiana State Police praised the "strong partnerships and coordinated efforts that help bring offenders to justice."
Five co-conspirators—Luis Banegas Rodriguez, Ricardo Castro Murillo, Carlos Aquino Sosa, Edwin Palacios Sosa, and Delvin Velasquez Romero—were previously sentenced for their roles. This case was a collaborative effort involving Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the Indiana State Police, among other agencies, and was prosecuted as part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative.