November 22, 2024
VIA US MAIL
Teresa Paulo
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Re: Notice of Prohibition
Dear Ms. Paulo:
The National Credit Union Administration (“NCUA”) is the federal regulator for federally chartered or insured credit unions. The NCUA is aware that on or about September 12, 2024, you were convicted and sentenced in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia for the following offenses:
- Aggravated Identity Theft, 18 U.S.C. § 1028A, and
- Bank Fraud, 18 U.S.C. § 1344.
Your conviction was the result of your misconduct at Southern Pine Credit Union of Valdosta, Georgia.
This letter is to notify you that because of your conviction you are subject to the prohibitions set forth in 12 U.S.C. §§ 1785(d) and 1829. As such, without the prior written consent of the NCUA or Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, these sections prohibit you by operation of law from becoming an “institution-affiliated party” of any insured depository institution (as defined in 12 U.S.C. §§ 1786(r) or 1813(u)), or otherwise participating, directly or indirectly, in the conduct of the affairs of any insured depository institution, and owning or controlling, directly or indirectly, any insured depository institution.
Sections 1785(d) and 1829 impose criminal penalties of up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each day of violation. Should a knowing violation of these sections occur, both you and the institution would be subject to the penalties provided by the statute.
These statutes do not prohibit you from being a member of a credit union, or customer of a bank or savings association.
Sections 1785(d) and 1829 provide exceptions and exemptions for certain offenses, however, the Bank Fraud offense referenced above does not currently meet the exception or exemption criteria. If you believe that your conviction is not covered by sections 1785(d) or 1829, please contact this office immediately at ogcmail@ncua.gov or (703) 518-6540. Be advised that a copy of this letter will be available on the NCUA’s public website.
Sincerely,
/s/
Frank S. Kressman
General Counsel