Kelly Taplin, Aggravated Identity Theft, Mississippi 2013

A former bank teller from Byram, Mississippi, has pleaded guilty to a serious crime. Kelly Taplin, 31, used the identity of a Trustmark National Bank customer to obtain a $2,550 loan in the customer's name without their knowledge or consent.

The crime occurred while Taplin was working as a teller at Trustmark National Bank in Byram. She admitted to using the customer's name, social security number, and date of birth to obtain the loan.

The loan proceeds were used for Taplin's own personal benefit, according to court documents. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst prosecuted the case.

Taplin is set to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate on July 11, 2013, at 9:30 a.m. The mandatory penalty for aggravated identity theft is two years in prison, and she faces a maximum possible fine of $250,000.

Victims of identity theft can contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud for assistance. The center can be reached toll-free at (866) 720-5721, by fax at (225) 334-4707, or by email at disaster@leo.gov.

The case highlights the importance of protecting personal information and being cautious when sharing sensitive data. Identity theft can have serious consequences, including financial loss and damage to one's credit score.

Taplin's guilty plea is a reminder that identity theft is a serious crime that can have severe consequences. The public is urged to be vigilant and take steps to protect their personal information.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdms/pr/former-bank-teller-pleads-guilty-aggravated-identity-theft