Hugh Robinson, Theft of Public Funds, California 2014

RICHMOND, CA - In a brazen scheme, 38-year-old Hugh Robinson allegedly used stolen identities to cash U.S. Treasury checks worth thousands of dollars. According to a federal grand jury, Robinson, a Richmond resident, carried out this deception on March 18, 2014.

The U.S. Treasury checks in question were payments of tax refunds and/or Social Security benefits to which Robinson was not entitled. He was charged with three counts of theft of public funds, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641, and three counts of aggravated identity theft, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028A.

Robinson's alleged crimes were uncovered by an investigation led by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Newman and Jose A. Olivera are now prosecuting the case.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Robinson faces 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641 as well as 2 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028A.

The 2-year terms for identity theft violations would be served consecutive to the underlying felony. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

Robinson has been arrested and is currently detained. This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of identity theft and the importance of protecting one's personal information.

The prosecution of this case is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies in keeping our communities safe from financial crimes.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/richmond-man-charged-cashing-us-treasury-checks-using-stolen-identities