Brockport Woman Facing Fraud Sentencing Charged Again with Bank Fraud, False Statements
A Brockport woman awaiting sentencing on a previous fraud conviction is now facing additional charges, federal prosecutors announced Wednesday.
Patricia Hutchins, 53, has been charged with bank fraud and making false statements, offenses that carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. The charges were filed by criminal complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York.
According to prosecutors, Hutchins was initially investigated in July 2021 when U.S. Postal Inspectors executed a search warrant at her Rochester residence. Authorities reportedly seized documents, cash, and electronic devices linked to wire fraud schemes, including Unemployment Insurance fraud, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan fraud, and elder fraud.
She was arrested in October 2022 and later pleaded guilty on May 1, 2024, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. As part of her plea agreement, Hutchins was ordered to pay restitution of $20,052 to a financial institution for a fraudulent PPP loan and $25,100 to an elderly individual who was misled into sending her money under false pretenses. Her sentencing for that conviction is scheduled for April 15, 2025.
During previous court proceedings, Hutchins claimed she had no funds available to pay restitution, stating that proceeds from the sale of her home had been invested in a retirement account. Later, in December 2024, she told the court she had given all of her money to someone she believed was country music artist Kenny Chesney, who she claimed was investing it for her.
The latest complaint alleges that Hutchins withdrew approximately $15,000 from her bank account in the month leading up to her scheduled sentencing in October 2024. Prosecutors say she used the funds to purchase numerous $250 gift cards at various retail stores, including Walgreens, Tops, Wegmans, Lowe’s, and Home Depot. After her original sentencing was delayed, authorities allege she continued making similar purchases, spending an additional $8,500. By the end of November 2024, officials say her account balance was down to approximately $1,000.
Hutchins is also accused of fraud related to two credit card accounts.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward of the Boston Division.
Federal prosecutors emphasize that charges are accusations, and Hutchins is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.