JACKSON, MS – A New Orleans man is facing a lengthy prison sentence after admitting his role in a sophisticated car fraud ring that preyed on dealerships across the Jackson, Mississippi metro area. David L. Jones, Jr., 34, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiring to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
The scheme, uncovered by the U.S. Secret Service and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Cyber Fraud Task Force, involved stealing the identities of credit-worthy individuals. Jones and his accomplices then allegedly forged false identification documents, allowing them to pose as these victims when applying for auto loans. Court documents reveal the group targeted dealerships throughout the Jackson area in June 2023, successfully purchasing – or attempting to purchase – expensive vehicles under false pretenses.
Jones now faces a mandatory minimum of two years behind bars, with a potential maximum sentence of 22 years. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge, taking into consideration U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors. This isn’t a closed case; authorities are still pursuing remaining members of the conspiracy.
Two co-conspirators, Paul Anthony Robinson and Sarah Elizabeth Calderon, have already entered guilty pleas and are awaiting sentencing dates. Joshanique Elouise Bailey and Anna Waldei remain charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and their cases are still pending trial. If convicted, Bailey and Waldei each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch highlighted the importance of the Cyber Fraud Task Force in cracking the case. “When we established Mississippi’s Cyber Fraud Task Force four years ago, we knew that more and more criminal acts would have a cyber element,” Fitch stated. “We are pleased to see the results of our work in this case to put the brakes on this auto theft ring, put these criminals behind bars, and obtain justice for the people of Mississippi.”
The investigation was a joint effort between the U.S. Secret Service and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office. Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis announced the guilty plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie is prosecuting the case, promising continued vigilance against financial crimes in the region.
Related Federal Cases
- Christopher B. Epps, Bribery and Wire Fraud, Jackson MS, 2023 · Mississippi
- Kevin Jackson Sentenced to 102 Months for Access Device Fraud, Mont… · Mississippi
- Charlie Jackson, Stolen Identity Refund Fraud, AL, 2014 · Mississippi
- Gerardo Heriberto Nuñez Nuñez, Elder Fraud Scheme, Boston MA, 2026 · Pennsylvania
- Orlando Pascual Jr., HIV Treatment Medicare Fraud, Miami FL, 2023 · Mississippi
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News