Cincinnati Man Pleads Guilty to Passport Identity Theft
A Cincinnati man has pleaded guilty to making a false statement in a passport application, using a fake identity for nearly two decades. Fred Aundraus Gaston III, 44, created the alias ‘Brandon Jordan Thomas’ in 1999 and used it to obtain a delayed birth certificate, Social Security card, Ohio driver’s license, and passport application.
Gaston applied for a delayed birth certificate in Illinois using the fake name on May 18, 1999, and the state issued the certificate in June. He then applied for a Social Security card and obtained replacement cards in 1999, 2007, 2009, and 2015. Gaston also obtained an Ohio driver’s license and compiled a credit history under the fake name.
In February 2015, Gaston applied for a U.S. Passport at the post office in Milford, Ohio under the false identity and his own photograph. The application was denied because Gaston failed to respond to a follow-up request from the State Department. In August 2017, federal agents visited Gaston’s home, and he identified himself as ‘Shawn Carter’.
Gaston pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement in a passport application. The parties involved have recommended a sentence of one year of probation, which will be considered by U.S. District Judge Timothy S. Black at a future sentencing hearing. The defendant also agrees to forfeit the Ohio driver’s license, State of Illinois Delayed Record of Birth, and Social Security card all in the name of ‘Brandon Jordan Thomas.’
U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the State Department and Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Landry.
Gaston’s case is a reminder of the importance of verifying identity and the consequences of using fake identities. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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