Related Federal Cases
- Grandparent Scam: $5M Raked in, Man Extradited · Massachusetts
- Tow Truck Operator and Dealer Hit for Car Theft Scam · Massachusetts
- Muhammad Saleem Iqbal Sentenced in $28M Tobacco Tax Scam · Massachusetts
- Visa & Marriage Scam: 12 Plead Guilty in MS · Mississippi
- Toledo Mother, Son Charged in $74K PayPal Scam Scheme · Washington
Chelsea Woman Sentenced for $290k Account Takeover Scam
Perla Soto, a 24-year-old Chelsea woman, has been found guilty of conspiring to possess and use false identifications as part of an identity theft scheme to target a wireless company. The scheme, which spanned over 14 months, resulted in over 120 customers having their personal information used in transactions totaling over $290,000 in fraudulently obtained phones and accessories.
According to the Department of Justice, Soto was captured on surveillance video conducting 20 transactions where she posed as customers of the wireless company in retail stores throughout the United States. The transactions took place from January 2022 through November 2023.
Soto used counterfeit driver’s licenses and identification bearing her photograph and the personal identifying information of customers of the wireless company in order to conduct transactions at these retail stores. While posing as the customer, Soto would purchase new phones and accessories on the customer’s account. Working as part of a larger group, Soto provided these fraudulently obtained phones and accessories to other coconspirators who would sell them on the black market.
The charge of conspiring to possess of five or more identification documents with intent to use them unlawfully provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. District Court Judge Julie E. Kobick scheduled sentencing for August 9, 2024. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy, Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police.
The investigation into Soto’s identity theft scheme was a collaborative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Massachusetts State Police. The case highlights the growing threat of identity theft and the importance of protecting personal information.
Soto’s guilty plea is a significant blow to the identity theft ring, which has been operating for over a year. The scheme has caused significant financial losses to the wireless company and its customers. The case serves as a reminder to the public to remain vigilant and protect their personal information from falling into the wrong hands.
The Department of Justice is committed to holding individuals accountable for their crimes and bringing them to justice. The case against Soto is a testament to the department’s dedication to combating identity theft and protecting the public.
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News