MACON, GA – Master Dalas Brisco, 57, of Hinesville, Georgia, is trading Hinesville for a federal prison cell after receiving a four-year sentence for aggravated identity theft. The sentence was handed down November 20, 2014, by Chief United States District Judge C. Ashley Royal in Macon. Brisco, also known as Paula D. Ike, pled guilty earlier to the charges, bringing a swift end to a case revealing a calculated scheme to drain a California victim’s finances.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, Brisco wasn’t relying on quick cons. He orchestrated a deliberate operation, intercepting the victim’s mail and diverting it to Post Office boxes he controlled in Georgia. From there, he systematically took over multiple bank accounts, presenting forged documents – specifically, a fraudulent court order – to illegally access funds. The scheme wasn’t limited to banks; Brisco also targeted the victim’s Social Security benefits.
Brisco further compounded the fraud by submitting a bogus letter, falsely claiming to be from the victim’s physician, to the Social Security Administration. This allowed him to be designated as the representative payee, effectively hijacking the victim’s benefits. The total intended loss from Brisco’s actions is a staggering $36,320.90, a sum pilfered through deception and meticulous planning. Details of the plea agreement outlining the full scope of the crime are available for review.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore emphasized the continued importance of prosecuting identity theft cases, stating that it remains a “high priority” for his office. He lauded the collaborative efforts of the Postal Inspector’s Office and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, noting that such teamwork is vital to protecting the interests of American citizens. This wasn’t a smash-and-grab; it was a sustained, calculated attack on a single victim’s livelihood.
The investigation, a joint effort between the U.S. Postal Inspector’s Office and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, unearthed the intricate details of Brisco’s fraud. Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham A. Thorpe skillfully prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States, ensuring Brisco faced justice for his actions. The four-year sentence sends a clear message: exploiting another person’s identity carries significant consequences.
Anyone with further inquiries regarding this case is directed to Pamela Lightsey at the United States Attorney’s Office (478/621-2603). While Brisco’s scheme has been brought to light, authorities urge vigilance against identity theft, reminding the public to safeguard personal information and report any suspicious activity immediately. This case serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly secure systems can be exploited by determined criminals.
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Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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