Keith Bethel, Firearms and Identity Theft Offenses, Florida 2024

A convicted felon has been sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison for firearms and identity theft offenses in Florida. Keith Bethel, 34, was sentenced to 104 months in prison after a drive-by shooting investigation uncovered firearms, contraband, and stolen personal information.

The investigation, which began in July 2023, led to the discovery of multiple firearms, including a large-capacity Draco-style firearm, ammunition, and extensive evidence of identity-theft activity. Investigators found folders containing victims’ personal identifying information, stolen mail, blank checks, and a ledger with scripts and instructions for defrauding individuals and financial institutions.

The victims in the case included a Florida basketball coach, a foster care specialist, a retired nurse, and a young U.S. Air Force firefighter, all of whom suffered the theft and misuse of their personal information.

Bethel was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, and aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge David S. Leibowitz imposed the sentence on Bethel after a federal jury found him guilty of the offenses.

U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida said, ‘What began as a drive-by shooting investigation led to the discovery of illegal firearms, stolen identities, and a calculated fraud operation.’ He added, ‘Federal investigators uncovered a dangerous combination of violence and identity theft that harmed real people — from a foster care specialist to a young Air Force firefighter. The Southern District of Florida will continue working with our partners to dismantle criminal enterprises and protect our community.’

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kseniya Smychkouskaya and General Crimes Chief Joseph Egozi.

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