ProtectMyID

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s website is a valuable resource. It has a lot of information about many different types of identity theft that we at ProtectMyID want to share with our readers. Once a month, we’ll highlight a news announcement, article, alert, or other item from the FBI website about identity theft so you can learn more about how this crime is perpetrated.

Two Charged in Identity Theft Scheme

Kenneth C. Osbourne, Jr. and Sheldon Hylton were charged by indictment, filed on August 25, 2011, with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, and aiding and abetting, announced United States Attorney David Memeger. Hylton is also charged with wire fraud and possession, with intent to use unlawfully, of five or more false identification documents.

The charges stem from the defendants’ participation in an identity theft scheme that resulted in the personal identity information of approximately 86 individuals being compromised. According to the indictment, defendant Osbourne used his position as a customer service representative at AmeriHealth Administrators, Inc. to access customers’ personal identity information, including names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and bank account numbers, and passed this information along to defendant Hylton. Hylton, in turn, obtained counterfeit checks that were printed using the victims’ names, addresses, and bank account numbers.

The indictment alleges that, between October 2009 and January 2010, defendant Hylton and other co-conspirators deposited approximately 48 counterfeit checks totaling approximately $289,846.82 into bank accounts, and subsequently withdrew approximately $189,300 cash from these accounts. According to the indictment, defendant Hylton also used the personal identity information of five victims to access online adult pornography websites. Hylton also was charged with possession of 15 counterfeit Pennsylvania driver’s licenses.

If convicted, defendant Osbourne faces a maximum possible sentence of 57 years’ imprisonment, including a mandatory term of imprisonment of two years, a $4 million fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $1,300 special assessment. Defendant Hylton faces a maximum possible sentence of 82 years’ imprisonment, including a mandatory term of imprisonment of two years, a $4.5 million fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $1,500 special assessment

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Secret Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karen M. Klotz.

An indictment or information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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