Mary Phoenix Nguyen, Bank Fraud, Oregon 2024

Oregon Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Local Fraud Ring

PORTLAND, Ore.—A brazen case of identity theft and bank fraud has come to a close in the Rose City.

Mary Phoenix Nguyen, 41, was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for her role in a coordinated fraud ring targeting individuals in the Portland Metropolitan Area, Texas, Florida, and elsewhere.

According to court documents, Nguyen and her associates used stolen identities and personal information to obtain credit cards, unlawfully access victims’ bank accounts, apply for multiple vehicle loans, rent at least six apartments and other residences, and fraudulently produce various personal and financial documents.

The scheme, which was uncovered in April 2022 by special agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), resulted in the theft of over $158,000 from victims across the country.

Nguyen was arrested at her Oregon City residence on October 18, 2022, after investigators found hundreds of stolen, altered, or counterfeit documents and identifications, equipment used to produce counterfeit items, and master U.S. Postal Service keys.

On April 18, 2023, Nguyen was charged by superseding indictment with conspiring to commit bank fraud; bank fraud; social security fraud; aggravated identity theft; and possessing fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, stolen or reproduced keys or locks, and stolen mail.

Nguyen pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possessing stolen or reproduced keys on May 15, 2024.

The case was investigated by HSI and the Portland Police Bureau with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Sowray.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-or/pr/portland-woman-sentenced-federal-prison-role-local-fraud-ring