Related Federal Cases
Houston Counterfeit Kingpin Gets 63 Months for Identity Theft Ring
A 43-year-old Houston resident has been sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for possessing counterfeit or unauthorized access devices, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Wade Zollinger pleaded guilty to the charges on November 13, 2023, and was immediately sentenced by U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr.
The court noted that it had a duty to issue a fair sentence on behalf of Zollinger’s victims. In handing down the sentence, Judge Hanks Jr. ordered Zollinger to serve 63 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
According to the investigation, Zollinger was found to be in possession of numerous counterfeit identification documents, including credit and debit cards, personal checks belonging to others, counterfeit U.S. currency, and counterfeit U.S. currency plates used for the manufacture of currency.
The investigation also revealed that Zollinger had ledgers detailing the personal identifiable information of others, including financial information and other sensitive data.
Secret Service conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Grace Murphy and James Hu prosecuted the case.
The case is a stark reminder of the dangers of identity theft and the importance of protecting personal information. Zollinger’s sentence serves as a warning to those who engage in similar crimes, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.
Houston residents are advised to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from identity theft. If you or someone you know has been a victim of identity theft, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office or local authorities for assistance.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Secret Service and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office for their tireless efforts in bringing this case to justice.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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