Deleon Ford, Identity Theft, Missouri 2023

ST. LOUIS, MO - In a shocking revelation, Deleon Ford, a 32-year-old resident of Ferguson, MO, has been sentenced to four years in prison for stealing the identities of 13 people to apply for loans and obtain other things of value.

Ford, who pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in March, admitted to using the identities of multiple people to open financial accounts, obtain unsecured loans, rent a U-Haul truck, and open a cell phone account.

According to the investigation, Ford submitted online credit applications to various lenders, transmitted or hand-delivered identification documents bearing his picture and the stolen identifiers of others, and created fake pay stubs, utility bills, and bank statements to further his scheme.

In a disturbing twist, Ford also helped an Illinois jail inmate obtain loans in the name of others. The total amount stolen was over $40,000, including loans, cellphone service, and the rental truck.

The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Ellisville (Missouri) Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry prosecuting the case.

Deleon Ford, whose real full name is Deleon Ford, was sentenced to four years in prison and ordered to repay $26,812. The charges against him include wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The crime was committed sometime before the sentencing date of March 2023.

Ford's actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and the trust placed in him by the victims. His sentence serves as a reminder of the severity of identity theft and the importance of protecting one's personal information.

In conclusion, the case of Deleon Ford serves as a warning to individuals about the dangers of identity theft and the importance of being vigilant in protecting one's personal information.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/missouri-man-who-stole-identities-13-people-sentenced-4-years-prison