Baltimore, MD – Nicholas Milano White, 30, of Baltimore, is headed to federal prison for eight years after being convicted of a brazen scheme to steal mail, defraud the government through the CARES Act, and commit aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett also ordered White to pay $29,234 in restitution to his victims, a full accounting of the losses he inflicted.
The sentencing, announced March 30, 2021, is the result of a joint investigation led by the U.S. Secret Service – Baltimore Field Office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Baltimore County Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner stressed the importance of protecting CARES Act funds, stating the office is “committed to bringing to justice fraudsters who are stealing taxpayer funds and preying on citizens during this public health crisis.”
White’s criminal activity spanned from October 2019 to June 2020, encompassing a wide range of offenses beyond the headline charges. Authorities revealed the scope of the operation included counterfeiting U.S. currency, manufacturing and possessing false identification documents and credit profiles, unemployment insurance fraud, and even illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The initial spark? A fraudulent financing application for a 2016 Maserati Ghibli in October 2019, built on a foundation of false social security numbers and fabricated employment information, securing a $30,227 loan.
But the scheme quickly escalated. In February and March of 2020, White began targeting the U.S. mail, devising ways to steal checks and defraud banks. A critical break in the case came on March 8, 2020, when law enforcement deployed a GPS tracking device on a parcel stolen from a Rosedale Post Office collection box in Baltimore County. The tracker led officers to multiple other post offices where White and his accomplices continued their mail-snatching operation. A high-speed chase ensued when Baltimore County Police attempted to intercept the crew, ending with the discovery of 358 pieces of unprocessed mail scattered around a white sedan registered to one of White’s co-conspirators.
White and a co-conspirator were apprehended nearby. The vehicle yielded gloves, trash bags, and the mountain of stolen mail – a clear indication of a large-scale operation. U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Peter R. Rendina emphasized the threat posed by mail theft, warning it “jeopardizes people’s trust in the U.S. postal system” and “threatens the overall financial health of our communities,” particularly during a pandemic when individuals are vulnerable to exploitation.
The eight-year sentence, coupled with three years of supervised release, sends a message that such predatory behavior won’t be tolerated. While the investigation focused on White, authorities haven’t ruled out further charges against his co-conspirators. The case underscores the ongoing battle against fraud and identity theft, particularly as criminals seek to exploit crises like the COVID-19 pandemic for personal gain.
Related Federal Cases
- Kier Hicks Sentenced to 94 Months for Identity Theft, Baltimore MD,… · Maryland
- Maxime Maiga, Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft, Greenbelt M… · Maryland
- Jagveer Singh Pleads Guilty to Securities Fraud, Baltimore MD, 2023 · Maryland
- Ramon Ingram Sentenced to 4 Years for Bank Fraud Scheme, Baltimore … · Maryland
- Nicholas Paul Pedone, Possessing Child Pornography, Baltimore MD, 2023 · Maryland
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
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News