Guilford Babysitter Charged with Stealing $80,000 From Couple in Bank Fraud Scheme

Ashley Rose, 22, of Guilford, was arrested Monday on a federal criminal complaint charging her with bank fraud in connection with a forgery scheme that involved hundreds of stolen checks totaling more than $80,000. The matter is currently being investigated by the United States Secret Service.

According to the complaint, from approximately April 2011 to April 2012, Rose allegedly stole more than 250 checks from a married couple that employed her as a babysitter. Rose then forged the signatures of those employers on the stolen checks and made them payable to herself, in different amounts, and deposited them into her own bank account. She then withdrew the cash from her own account, totaling an estimated $80,000, officials said.

After her arrest yesterday, Rose went before the United States Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport. She was released on bond late yesterday afternoon.

Rose could face up to a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years for the charge of bank fraud. Currently, the complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt, U.S. Attorney Fein stated. Rose will be entitled to have her case presented to a grand jury and if the indictment is returned, she will be eligible for a trial.

The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry L. Quinn.