Burlington, Vermont – A federal indictment has been returned against Chad Maurer, a 34-year-old man from New York, for allegedly committing aggravated identity theft and using a false passport.
According to the indictment, Maurer entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on May 2, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle.
Maurer had been previously detained at a hearing held in the Middle District of Pennsylvania on April 17, 2025, following his arrest in the Scranton, Pennsylvania-area on April 11, 2025.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Maurer is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
If convicted, Maurer faces up to ten years’ incarceration for use of a false passport, and a mandatory minimum sentence of two years’ incarceration for aggravated identity theft.
The actual sentence would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Diplomatic Security Service and the United States Marshals Service.
The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Arra, while Maurer is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara Puls.
Related Federal Cases
- Chad Maurer, Aggravated Identity Theft, Vermont 2025 · New Mexico
- Laquanta Grant, Tax Fraud and Identity Theft, Alabama 2010 · Washington
- Shawn Snead, Fentanyl Distribution, Vermont 2024 · Massachusetts
- Vermont US Attorney Tristram Coffin Resigns Amidst Opiate Crisis · New York
- Daniel Ayala, Heroin and Cocaine Conspiracy, Vermont 2015 · New York
Key Facts
- State: Vermont
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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