Thanks for pointing the regional part out—first I’ve heard of it.
The Federal Reserve Banking system is pretty big and complex and doesn’t have just the “Jekyll Island” stuff. You do have the board of governors along with the chairman who are tied with DC Monetary Policy and along with the US Treasury can manipulate currency and set policy. (This is the stuff most politicians refer to).
The next level are the actual 12 Reserve Banks. Their role is to maintain reserve and clearing accounts and provide various payment services including collecting checks, electronically transferring funds, and distributing and receiving currency between banks. (ie, if a bank needs to send money to another bank it goes through these Reserve Banks).
You then have member banks that are chartered banks that consumers work with directly.
The top level is what needs a major housecleaning, however, the lower levels serve a legal and legitimate purpose.
(I used to work for the Currency Comptroller’s office so I’ve seen the difference first hand).