Carnell Ragan, Identity Theft, Pennsylvania 2013

PHILADELPHIA – A brazen identity thief has been brought to justice after stealing personal information of hundreds of unsuspecting individuals, causing at least $95,233.22 in losses to his victims.

Carnell Ragan, 48, of Philadelphia, was sentenced to 72 months in prison for an identity theft scheme that caused at least $95,233.22 in losses to his victims. The prison term includes a two-year mandatory term.

Ragan stole personal information of hundreds of unsuspecting individuals, including classified hospital records containing patient and staff account and personal information, official DMV and credit card company’s holograms, and employee badges of various companies.

He created counterfeit credit cards and sold his victims’ credit card account numbers to anyone who wanted one and who would pay his fee. Ragan also invested in sophisticated equipment that enabled him to do this on a large scale.

When Pennsylvania State Police searched Ragan’s home, they found account numbers written on pieces of paper, on magnetic strips, pressed on credit cards, on ink rolls, and in hospital records. Of those found, 107 victims reported losses.

Ragan pleaded guilty on October 4, 2013, to conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge R. Barclay Surrick ordered restitution of $95,233.22 to Ragan’s victims, a $200 special assessment, and three years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Pennsylvania State Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Virgil Walker.

Rules are in place to protect individuals from identity thieves like Ragan. Always be cautious when sharing personal information, and never pay for services that ask for sensitive information.

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