NORTH SYRACUSE, N.Y. — State Police in North Syracuse arrested a Portland, Maine woman on Feb. 16 on 67 charges for allegedly stealing nearly $20,000 from various Empower Federal Credit Union (FCU) branches around Onondaga County last June.
Janel M. Cavallero, 45 was charged with one count of third-degree grand larceny, three counts of second-degree forgery, nine counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, and eight counts of first-degree identity theft — all of which are class D felonies.
Cavallero was also charged with three counts of second-degree identity theft and eight counts of first-degree falsifying business records (felonies); 11 counts of third-degree unlawful possession of personal identification, 11 counts of second-degree criminal impersonation, 11 counts of fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, one count of fifth-degree conspiracy (misdemeanors), and one count of scheme to defraud (class E felony).
According to the State Police, Cavallero allegedly stole about $19,780 from various Empower FCU branches as part of a criminal enterprise known as the “Felony Lane Gang,” a group of thieves who travel the country and use stolen identification documents and credit cards to commit financial crimes.
She was arraigned on Feb. 17 and released on her own recognizance.