Insider at Major US Bank Quietly Drains $180,000 From Two Customers’ Accounts, Alleges Department of Justice

An insider at a bank with branches across the US is accused of forging documents to steal funds from customers’ accounts.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) says that while working as a teller at the unnamed bank’s branch in Boston, Massachusetts, Derek Aut lifted $180,000 from the accounts of two customers.

To carry out his scheme, Aut allegedly forged the names of the customers on the withdrawal slips, among other techniques.

After the first theft was discovered, Aut siphoned funds from another bank account to replace the missing money.

“When one of the victims noticed money missing from her account, Aut allegedly attempted to cover his theft by taking money from the other victim’s account and depositing it into the first victim’s account.”

The initial criminal charges against Aut were filed in December of 2024.

The charges now include embezzlement by a bank employee and aggravated identity theft. Aut, who has agreed to plead guilty to the charges, faces years in prison and a monetary fine.

“The charge of embezzlement by a bank employee provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a $1 million fine. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.”

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