Rochester Woman Accused of Defrauding Local Businesses and Charities of Nearly $89,000 in Gift Card Scheme
A Rochester woman is facing federal charges after allegedly defrauding local businesses and nonprofit organizations out of nearly $89,000 through a gift card scheme that prosecutors say was carried out under the guise of charitable giving.
According to a criminal complaint filed in federal court, 43-year-old Jessica Stadt is accused of wire fraud and access device fraud, charges that each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Federal prosecutors allege that Stadt approached Rochester-area companies and nonprofits, claiming she was collecting gift cards to support disadvantaged children and communities. Instead of distributing the cards for charitable purposes, investigators say she sold them to individuals through Facebook Messenger—often below face value—and asked that payments be sent to her personal accounts via Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App.
An investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office revealed that approximately 607 gift cards were acquired and resold in this manner, leading to a total estimated loss of $88,882.60. Among the impacted organizations are Wegmans and Youth Advocate Programs, a nonprofit that provides services to youth and families.
Stadt made her initial appearance in federal court on Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was released under certain conditions.
The charges are the result of a joint investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities emphasized that the charges are accusations at this stage, and Stadt is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.