DAYTON, OH – A pair of Dayton residents are facing serious federal time after pleading guilty to a brazen scheme to steal identities and drain bank accounts, authorities announced today. Myrtle Lynn “Mi Mi” Jackson, 38, and Joshua Dylan “Jo Jo” Chapman, 29, confessed to a conspiracy that stretched from the aftermath of the 2019 Dayton tornadoes through May 2021, leaving a trail of financial ruin in their wake.
The duo didn’t bother with sophisticated hacking or online scams. Instead, Jackson and Chapman allegedly resorted to old-fashioned thievery, rifling through occupied and unoccupied homes, vehicles, and mailboxes to snatch personal information – everything from credit card numbers and Social Security numbers to checks and bank account details. This stolen data became their fuel for a spending spree funded by the misery of others.
Court documents detail how Jackson and Chapman weren’t picky about their purchases. Illicitly obtained funds were funneled into drugs, fast food runs to Kentucky Fried Chicken and Lees Famous Chicken, and bargain buys at Walmart and Dollar General. They also splurged on motel rooms and indulged in gambling at a Dayton casino, all while racking up fraudulent loans – personal, student, and unemployment – using their victims’ stolen identities. The scope of the fraud paints a picture of systematic exploitation.
Both defendants pleaded guilty to conspiring to engage in access device fraud, a federal crime carrying a maximum sentence of 90 months in prison. But the charges don’t end there. They also admitted to aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory two-year prison sentence on top of any other punishment the judge deems appropriate. This means both Jackson and Chapman are looking at significant time behind bars.
Acting United States Attorney Vipal J. Patel for the Southern District of Ohio praised the collaborative investigation led by the U.S. Secret Service and the Dayton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dwight K. Keller is prosecuting the case, ensuring that those responsible for this predatory scheme are held accountable. The Secret Service, typically known for protecting dignitaries, has become increasingly involved in combating financial crimes like these.
While the investigation stemmed from the chaos following the 2019 tornadoes, authorities emphasize that the fraud continued for over a year, indicating a calculated and sustained effort to exploit vulnerable individuals. Sentencing dates for Jackson and Chapman have not yet been announced, but one thing is certain: their days of easy money are over. This case serves as a stark reminder that identity theft is not a victimless crime, and those who prey on others will face the full weight of the law.
Related Federal Cases
- Ashley Bankston, Identity Theft Scheme, South Euclid OH, 2023 · Kentucky
- Nicole Pennington Sentenced to 44 Months for COVID Loan Wire Fraud,… · Kentucky
- Tanya Oliver, Federal Aid Fraud, Cleveland OH, 2023 · Kentucky
- Mark O. Wittenmyer, $500,000 Wire Fraud Scheme, Holland OH, 2023 · Kentucky
- Kenneth A. Grant, Investment Fraud Scheme, Copley OH, 2023 · Kentucky
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
