Related Federal Cases
- Ebony Shante Yarbrough, Aggravated Identity Theft, MN 2016 · Minnesota
- Alex Boyd, Gun Shop Theft, Minnesota 2024 · Minnesota
- Letitia James Demands ICE Identity Disclosure, New York, 2023 · New Mexico
- Phillip Dwayne Loyd, Sex Trafficking of Teenage Girls, Minnesota, 2023 · Minnesota
- Seng Xiong, Elder Fraud Scheme, Minnesota 2024 · California
Identity Theft Ring Busted in Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS—A large identity theft ring that operated in Minnesota and at least 13 other states has been brought to justice. Four individuals were sentenced in federal court in St. Paul for their roles in the conspiracy.
United States District Court Judge Paul A. Magnuson sentenced Donyea Terrell Collins, age 27, of Richfield, to 55 months in prison; Derek Charles Estelle, age 25, of Stillwater, to 30 months in prison; and Kelly Jenelle Scott, age 44, no known address, to 46 months in prison. All three had earlier pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Judge Magnuson also sentenced Lee Vang, age 32, of St. Paul, to 30 months in prison on one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of aggravated identity theft. Vang had also previously pled guilty to these charges.
The identity theft ring, which operated from 2006 through December of 2011, involved over 100 individuals who used victim information to create counterfeit checks and false identification documents to conduct fraudulent transactions.
The co-conspirators targeted banks, bank customers, and businesses, using the stolen information to pose as customers and withdraw money from victims’ bank accounts. They also conducted transactions at retail establishments, where expensive merchandise was purchased and returned for cash.
The investigation was led by the Minnesota Financial Crimes Task Force, which partnered with local, state, and federal agencies to bring the case to justice. The IRS Criminal Investigations also participated in the investigation, with Special Agent in Charge Kelly R. Jackson saying that individuals who commit identity fraud of this magnitude deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
Several other defendants have been sentenced in the case, including Patricia Grace Pnewski, who was sentenced to time served, and Cynthia Andrea Maxwell, who was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison. Vinicia Andrell Williamson was sentenced to 24 months in prison, and five co-conspirators were each sentenced to 24 months in prison on one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Key Facts
- State: Minnesota
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News