RIDOT engineer accused of using inmate’s identity to secure $51K car loan fraud scheme

JOHNSTON, R.I. — A Johnston man is facing felony charges after investigators say he used the identity of an incarcerated individual to secure a $51,000 car loan and other financial products.

The Rhode Island State Police Financial Crimes Unit arrested 45-year-old Ryan Garnetto on Tuesday following a months-long investigation triggered by a suspicious loan application submitted to Westerly Community Credit Union in December.

According to authorities, the credit union flagged the application after someone attempted to open multiple accounts—including a savings account, checking account, credit card, and auto loan. Weeks later, a man reportedly entered a Coventry branch and deposited a fraudulent check. Upon investigation, police found that the man who deposited the check was driving a RIDOT vehicle.

Detectives later determined the personal information used in the loan paperwork belonged to a man currently serving time at the Adult Correctional Institutions, where he has been held since 2019.

Garnetto, who is employed by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation as an engineer, was charged with multiple offenses, including:

    •    Identity fraud

    •    Filing a false statement to obtain a loan

    •    Passing fraudulent checks over $1,500

    •    Obtaining money under false pretenses

He was arraigned and released on $25,000 personal recognizance. A court date has been set for September 3.