Former Essex County Sheriff’s Officer pleads guilty to bank fraud conspiracy charges

A former Essex County Sheriff’s Officer pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud, federal authorities announced.

Ryan L. Terry, 32, of Piscataway, admitted his role in a multi-person scheme that stole and altered checks from the mail, depositing them into fraudulent accounts and quickly withdrawing the funds before the theft was detected.

While serving as an officer with the Orange Police Department, Terry participated in the conspiracy, which included altering a business check for over $50,000 in June 2023.

After the stolen check cleared, he and his co-conspirators withdrew and split the proceeds. Terry also recruited additional members with established bank accounts to continue the fraud.

The charges each carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for January 21, 2026.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Jersey State Police.

Authorities say Isiah J. Jordan of East Orange conspired with Terry, and he was also charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of bank fraud.

Three co-conspirators allegedly facilitated the scheme, but a press release issued by the United States Attorney’s Office did not provide any information about the accomplices or Jordan.