A Jacksonville man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Charles Cornelius Smith (35, Jacksonville) was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis on February 2, 2021.
According to court documents, Smith obtained the personal identification information of a victim, including their name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
Using this information, Smith provided his co-defendant, Zipporan Carmel Peters, with a counterfeit South Carolina driver license using the victim’s name and identity, but with Peters’ photo on it.
Smith then drove Peters to different branches of the Navy Federal Credit Union in Clay and Duval Counties.
Using the victim’s identity, Peters made various fraudulent transactions involving the withdrawal of large amounts of cash and the purchase of multiple $500 gift cards, utilizing the victim’s account.
Smith and Peters also visited multiple cellphone stores in Clay and Duval Counties and used the victim’s identity to obtain several thousand dollars’ worth of cellphones and accompanying merchandise.
Zipporan Carmel Peters is scheduled for trial on July 6, 2021.
“Technology has forever changed the way we do business, making every day financial transactions a prime target for fraud. This case should serve as a strong deterrent to those considering exploiting the identities of others to enrich themselves through fraud,” said Special Agent in Charge, Glen M. Kessler of the U.S. Secret Service – Jacksonville Field Office.
Related Federal Cases
- Charles Cornelius Smith, Aggravated Identity Theft, FL 2023 · Washington
- Michael Scott Hillwig, Identity Theft, Bank Fraud, Florida 2024 · New York
- Charles Cornelius Smith, Identity Theft, Jacksonville FL, 2021 · Washington
- Michael Scott Hillwig, Bank Fraud, Florida 2024 · Washington
- Anthony J. Atkins, Bank Fraud, Florida 2017 · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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