David Keene, Wire Fraud, New Hampshire 2020

CONCORD, New Hampshire – David Keene, a 38-year-old North Berwick, Maine resident, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, using the Social Security number of a minor child to obtain over $227,828 in loans and credit cards.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Keene used the Social Security number of a minor child to open many accounts and incur significant debt. Credit reports showed that the accounts were opened between December 2016, when the child was seven years old, and August 2019, when the child was ten years old.

Keene is accused of using the child’s Social Security number to acquire, among other things, utility services and several credit cards. He also used the child’s Social Security number to obtain loans to purchase a snowmobile, motorcycle, and multiple cars, including a $56,648.50 loan to purchase a BMW SUV.

“Those who misuse Social Security numbers to commit fraud are committing a serious federal crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney John J. Farley. “We work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the Social Security system and to identify and prosecute those who use other people’s identities to commit fraud. By coordinating with our law enforcement partners, we are holding criminals accountable for their conduct and obtaining justice for crime victims.”

Keene is scheduled to be sentenced on October 7, 2021. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, Rochester Police Department, and Strafford Police Department, with assistance from the Strafford County Attorney’s Office.

The Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, Boston Field Division, praised the efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved in the case. “This guilty plea demonstrates our commitment to hold accountable those who intentionally misuse the Social Security numbers of others for their own personal gain,” said Jermaine Jack, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General.

The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen. In a statement, Chen said, “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who misuse Social Security numbers for their own financial gain.”

Keene’s use of the child’s Social Security number to obtain loans and credit cards is a serious offense, and his guilty plea is a step towards holding him accountable for his actions.

The case highlights the importance of protecting the integrity of the Social Security system and the need for law enforcement agencies to work together to identify and prosecute those who misuse Social Security numbers.

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