Vernon Sonsteng, Aggravated Identity Theft, Texas 2017

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Two Corpus Christi men are headed to federal prison after a July 2016 traffic stop blew the lid on a sophisticated identity theft and fraud ring. Vernon Sonsteng, 56, and Michael Anthony Villegas, 33, both pleaded guilty in October 2017 to aggravated identity theft and possession of false identification documents, and now face significant time behind bars.

The case began with a routine traffic violation, but quickly escalated when officers discovered a vehicle packed with over 50 counterfeit Texas driver’s licenses. The licenses bore the photos of Sonsteng and Villegas, but contained the personal information of dozens of unsuspecting victims. Authorities also found stolen U.S. mail and hundreds of counterfeit checks, all bearing names matching the fraudulent IDs.

Yesterday and today, Senior U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey handed down the sentences. Sonsteng received a total of 56 months – 32 months for fraudulent use and a consecutive 24 months for aggravated identity theft. Villegas was sentenced to 28 months for the fraudulent use charge, followed by the mandatory 24 months for the identity theft. Both men will also be subject to three years of supervised release after completing their prison terms.

The operation wasn’t just about creating fake IDs. The pair intended to actively *use* the stolen identities to commit further fraud. The extent of their financial damage is significant; Judge Rainey ordered both Sonsteng and Villegas to pay restitution totaling $19,187.73 to the victims whose identities were compromised. The Secret Service believes the full scope of the fraud could be far greater.

The U.S. Secret Service led the investigation, working in conjunction with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Portland Police Department, and the Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr. prosecuted the cases, successfully securing convictions against both defendants. Both Sonsteng and Villegas remain in custody awaiting transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat of identity theft and the lengths criminals will go to exploit personal information. The Secret Service continues to prioritize investigations into these types of crimes, working to protect citizens from financial harm and safeguard the integrity of our financial systems. The Department of Justice Southern District of Texas confirmed the sentencing.

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