Second suspect in multi-million dollar South Ga. bank identity theft scheme sentenced

VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - The former controller of Southern Pine Credit Union in Valdosta has been sentenced following an investigation into an identity theft scheme.

Teresa Paulo, of Valdosta, was sentenced to serve two years for aggravated identity theft and 36 months for bank fraud to be served consecutively. She was also ordered to pay $1,238,638 in restitution to Southern Pine Credit Union.

Paulo pleaded guilty on Nov. 2, 2023.

Leah Lehman, the former president of Southern Pine Credit Union, was previously sentenced to serve six years in prison and ordered to pay back over $4 million in restitution. She pled guilty on Oct. 26, 2023.

According to court documents, Lehman created a secured loan with the Southern Pine Credit Union using another person's name and social security number. Paulo did the same thing and used the loan to spend on personal expenses.

"Financial fraud has a far-reaching ripple effect that negatively impacts people, businesses and the community," said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. "We take financial crimes seriously, and we will work alongside our law enforcement partners to hold fraudsters accountable."