Arnold Trevell Williams, 37, of New Orleans, Louisiana, is facing federal charges in a brazen identity theft ring that exploited stolen personal data to fraudulently purchase high-end vehicles. Williams was formally charged Friday, May 10, 2018, via a Bill of Information filed by U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser, marking a key escalation in a broader crackdown on financial fraud in Orleans Parish.
Court documents reveal Williams conspired with others to harvest sensitive personal information—including names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers—belonging to real individuals. That data was weaponized to forge driver’s licenses and submit fraudulent loan applications. The scheme wasn’t random; it was targeted, systematic, and designed to exploit financial institutions’ trust in identity verification systems.
One such fraud occurred on or about May 11, 2017, when Williams used another person’s identity to purchase a 2014 BMW Series 7 for $44,994.10. The luxury vehicle was not just a reward—it was a red flag in a growing pattern of synthetic identity fraud that federal investigators say has plagued the region for years.
If convicted, Williams faces up to two years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and as long as three years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors stress that the Bill of Information is not a conviction, but a formal step in proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought through the Louisiana Financial Crimes Task Force, a joint operation combining federal and local muscle. Key agencies involved include the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department, and New Orleans Police Department. The Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office also provided critical support.
Assistant United States Attorney Edward J. Rivera is leading the prosecution. With financial fraud networks growing more sophisticated, this case underscores the federal government’s push to dismantle organized identity theft rings—one indictment at a time.
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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