Moices Santilit, Aggravated Identity Theft, Massachusetts 2016

BOSTON – A brazen scheme to steal another person’s identity has landed a Dominican national in hot water. Moices Santilit, 63, of Lawrence, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of using a Social Security number that is not assigned to him.

U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for April 8, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in federal court in Boston. This is a serious offense that has left many wondering how someone could so callously steal another person’s identity.

According to court documents, in February 2016, Santilit used the Social Security number of a U.S. citizen in order to fraudulently obtain a valid Massachusetts Asbestos Worker Identification card under the victim’s name. This is a shocking example of the lengths to which identity thieves will go to achieve their goals.

The statute for falsely representing the Social Security number of another provides for a maximum five years incarceration and three years supervised release. The charging statute for aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed, up to one year of supervised release. Both statutes provide for a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris of Lelling’s Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.

This case highlights the importance of protecting one’s identity and being vigilant in the face of identity theft. As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern life, it is more important than ever to stay informed and take steps to safeguard our personal information.

The investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement to protecting the public and holding accountable those who engage in such egregious behavior.

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