Jefferson Reporter

A former credit union employee has pleaded guilty to her involvement in a comprehensive account-takeover scheme, U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples announced.

Brianna Mckala Johnson, 25, of Tuscaloosa, appeared before U.S. District Judge Madeline Haikala and pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

According to the plea agreement, Johnson was employed by Alabama Credit Union as a Member Care Agent. In this role, she had access to member account information including names, personal identifying information, and account balances. From August 2022 to January 2023, Johnson misappropriated customer account information and provided it to the administrator of a Telegram channel called “The Lucky Shop.”

The administrator of “The Lucky Shop” sold the information Johnson provided, including bank logins and digital checks, to customers of his channel. The administrator also collaborated with others to withdraw funds from certain accounts. This operation, referred to by the conspirators as “Operation ACU,” involved depositing fraudulent checks, submitting fraudulent loan applications, and initiating fraudulent Automated Clearing House transfers. It also included using stolen passcodes to withdraw funds from Automated Teller Machines.

The maximum penalty for conspiracy to commit wire fraud is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. As part of her plea agreement, Johnson has agreed to pay at least $406,809.96 in restitution to her former employer.

The FBI investigated the case with assistance from Alabama Credit Union, the Tuscaloosa Police Department, and the Orange Beach Police Department. The U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General have also assisted in the broader investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Canter is prosecuting the case.