Chicago Woman Arrested and Charged with Aggravated Identity Theft, Forgery

Chicago, IL – On June 3, 2024, a joint investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Chicago Police Department led to the arrest of Brenda Carrillo, 35, of Chicago, Illinois. Carrillo was identified as a suspect responsible for attempting to negotiate stolen U.S. Treasury checks using fraudulent identity documents on multiple occasions at Chicago currency exchanges in 2024. Carrillo was charged by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office with one felony count of aggravated identity theft and two felony counts of forgery.

On February 20, 2024, it is alleged Carrillo entered a currency exchange in Chicago and successfully cashed a stolen U.S. Treasury check after presenting a fraudulent identity document displaying a picture of Carrillo while matching the name and address of the intended recipient. Furthermore, on March 26, 2024, it is alleged Carrillo attempted to cash an additional stolen U.S. Treasury check by using a separate fraudulent identity document displaying a picture of Carrillo while matching the name and address of the intended recipient. On this occasion, the check was not cashed by the currency exchange. Both Treasury checks were sent through the U.S. Mail and were not received by the intended recipients.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service appreciates the assistance of the Chicago Police Department Financial Crimes Unit, as well as the U.S. Marshal’s Service Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force, in this ongoing investigation.

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to defending the nation’s mail system from criminal activity, preserving the integrity of the U.S. Mail, and protecting United States Postal Service employees. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service values our law enforcement partners for supporting our mission to protect the integrity of the U.S. Mail,” said Ruth M. Mendonça, Inspector in Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

It is important to note that criminal charges are only allegations against a person. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.