Allise Jones, ID Theft, Virginia 2017

A 29-year-old woman from Lanham, Maryland, was handed a harsh sentence for her involvement in a sprawling identity theft ring that compromised the personal information of employees at the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Allise Jones conspired with others to use personally identifiable information (PII) about current and former employees of Freddie Mac, the VA, and others. From October 2012 to April 2014, Jones and her co-conspirators had access to PII from over 100 VA employees and more than 2,000 Freddie Mac employees and affiliates.

The stolen information was used to obtain fraudulent identification documents and credit accounts, which were then used to defraud financial institutions, retailers, and others. Jones, in particular, used the information to obtain credit cards that she used to purchase luxury goods and services, including plastic surgery, expensive jewelry, and travel.

On February 16, Jones was convicted by a federal jury of her crimes. Today, U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga sentenced Jones to 5 1/2 years in prison for her role in the ID theft scheme.

The sentencing was announced by Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Steven Perez, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Office of Inspector General; and Michael J. Missal, Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Sentencing documents did not reveal the total amount of money stolen or the extent of Jones’ involvement in the ID theft scheme, but the case serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by identity theft and the importance of protecting sensitive personal information.

Related court documents and information are available on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:16-cr-282.

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