A California man has admitted in federal court in Rhode Island to participating in a money laundering scheme that defrauded businesses, individuals, and the Town of Bristol of nearly $9 million. Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom announced that Alec Tahir Baker, 61, from Corona, California, pleaded guilty on December 9, 2025, to conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Baker is scheduled for sentencing on February 24, 2026. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.
Court documents show that Baker was part of a group that used phishing techniques and fake vendor emails to access victim computer systems. This allowed them to redirect legitimate wire transfers into bank accounts controlled by Baker. He opened multiple bank accounts under his name and the names of fraudulent companies. Over $7.6 million was received into these accounts, with funds quickly withdrawn or moved—including through cryptocurrency—to hide their source.
In January 2023, Baker and his associates accessed the Town of Bristol’s computer network and caused $310,500 in municipal funds to be wired into an account bearing Baker’s name. He then withdrew or transferred these funds to other accounts.
Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom stated: “Alec Tahir Baker…pleaded guilty on December 9, 2025, to conspiracy to commit money laundering. Baker will be sentenced on February 24, 2026. The sentences imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lee H. Vilker and Denise M. Barton.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation with support from several law enforcement agencies including the Bristol Police Department; Genesee County, New York Sheriff’s Office; Baltimore County Police Department in Maryland; Hartland Police Department in Wisconsin; and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas.