Longview, Texas – The Department of Justice has delivered justice to Benjamin Rojas, a 39-year-old man from Longview, who was sentenced for his role in an identity theft scheme that gripped Gregg County.
Rojas, the mastermind behind the operation, pleaded guilty on October 9, 2012, to conspiracy to commit identity theft. Today, U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider imposed a 21-month federal prison sentence. Additionally, Rojas has been ordered to pay restitution totaling $20,293.93.
Between January and May 2012, Rojas conspired with others to steal mail from East Texas mailboxes. They utilized this pilfered information to forge false Texas driver licenses, which were then used to cash stolen checks and pass counterfeit ones at various businesses across the region.
The investigation was a collaborative effort involving several law enforcement agencies. The U.S. Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Smith County Sheriff’s Office, Tyler Police Department, and Longview Police Department all played pivotal roles in bringing Rojas to justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld was responsible for the prosecution.
Robin Watkins, a co-defendant, is awaiting sentencing on March 7, 2013.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the lengths some will go to in committing identity theft and the diligent work of law enforcement in dismantling such schemes.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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