Chutzpah of Fraud Perpetrator Still Gets 36 years in Prison

Post number 5303

Prisoner Should Know Better Than Representing Himself

In The People v. Roderick Nathaniel Washington, B330868, California Court of Appeals, Second District, Eighth Division (March 5, 2026) Roderick Nathaniel Washington was convicted by a jury on numerous counts related to credit card and unemployment insurance fraud.

The investigation revealed that Washington orchestrated two main types of fraud. The first involved credit cards: police searches at the residences of Washington’s girlfriend and his daughter uncovered hundreds of credit profiles, personal identifying information, mail addressed to Washington, fraudulent licenses and credit cards, and forged reports.

FACTUAL BACKGROUND

Bank Fraud

Washington opened multiple accounts in the names of others, including deceased individuals, and then reported fraudulent activity to avoid paying debts, eventually causing nearly half a million dollars in losses to Synchrony Financial. Washington was found to have information on about 90 Synchrony accounts. Investigation revealed Washington had opened accounts in the name of other people, including dead ones. After opening these accounts, he would claim there was fraudulent activity on the account in order to avoid paying the debt on that account. The company or bank would then provide a new account, which Washington would also fail to pay off. Washington caused just under half a million dollars in loss to bank and credit card company Synchrony Financial.

Unemployment Insurance Fraud

The second type of fraud Washington committed involved California’s Employment Development Department, which runs the state’s unemployment and disability insurance program. The Department relaxed standards during the covid pandemic to address the sudden increased need. After getting through the crisis period, the Department began investigating a series of applications for unemployment benefits all sent from the same IP address.

CONVICTIONS

The jury convicted Washington of:

1. two counts of theft by false pretenses in violation of section 532, subdivision (a);
2.  one count of possession of a forged driver’s license in violation of section 470(b);
3. two counts of possession of multiple person’s personal identifying information with intent to defraud in violation of section 530.5, subdivision (c)(3);
4. one count of preparing false documentary evidence in violation of section 134;
5. three counts of unlawful transfer of personal identifying information in violation of section 530.5, subdivision (d)(1);
6. four counts of possession of personal identifying information with intent to defraud in violation of section 530.5, subdivision (c)(2); and
7. 33 counts of unemployment insurance fraud in violation of Unemployment Insurance Code section 2101, subdivision (a). With regard to the unemployment insurance fraud counts, the jury found the loss from the offenses exceeded $500,000 and, after a bifurcated trial, there existed factors in aggravation.

The trial court sentenced Washington to three years on the unemployment insurance fraud count and a consecutive five years for the loss enhancement. The court sentenced Washington to consecutive eight-month terms on the other 32 unemployment insurance fraud counts and 11 of the other counts. In total, the court sentenced Washington to 36 years and eight months in prison.

LEGAL ISSUES

Washington attempted to defeat the testimony of the arresting officer. The court reviewed the case pursuant to Pitchess v. Superior Court (1974) 11 Cal.3d 531, which governs the disclosure of law enforcement personnel records when issues of officer credibility or misconduct are raised.

ANALYSIS

Washington appealed the judgment on several grounds, including requesting review of the trial court’s determinations under Pitchess. The appellate court examined the evidence collected, including the extensive fraudulent materials and the significant losses to financial institutions, and considered whether the trial court properly handled the Pitchess motions and other claims raised on appeal.

DISCUSSION

The Court of Appeal granted Washington’s request to review the trial court’s Pitchess determinations. After review, the court affirmed the judgment, finding no reversible error in the handling of the evidence, the application of law, or the review of law enforcement records. The appellate panel concluded that the evidence supported the convictions and that Washington’s legal challenges did not warrant reversal.

The trial court noted Washington’s repeated and demonstrated inability to follow the court’s rules, noted that sometimes legislative inaction without more does not signify approval, and this was especially true because precedent could not be applied retroactively. Rejection was appropriate to misconduct occurring like Washington’s acts here.

ZALMA OPINION

Fraudsters, like Washington, continue to prove that their criminal conduct was egregious and attempt to avoid jail with hired lawyers or acting as their own lawyer. Although Washington was a skilled criminal his activity as his own attorney established pure incompetence and an ability to annoy a trial judge beyond restraint. He deserves, and will serve, the 36 years and 8 months in prison.

(c) 2026 Barry Zalma & ClaimSchool, Inc.

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