Richard Louis Crosby III, Social Security Number Fraud, Ohio 2024

CINCINNATI – In a shocking case of deception, a disbarred attorney has been sentenced to 37 months in prison for his involvement in a Social Security number fraud scheme.

Richard Louis Crosby III, 37, of Mason, Ohio, pleaded guilty in July 2024 to three counts of Social Security number fraud. Crosby used false identities to obtain employment with at least seven law firms.

According to court documents, the Cincinnati Bar Association filed a complaint against Crosby in November 2020. In April 2021, he indicated his intent to resign from the practice of law. However, his troubles continued as he was indicted and charged in Hamilton County with crimes related to stealing client funds in both June and November 2021. After his indictments, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio entered an order disbarring Crosby.

In May 2022, Crosby was arrested in both of his Hamilton County cases. He was sentenced to probation in both cases in June 2023. Despite his disbarment and probation, Crosby continued to use false identities to obtain employment with law firms.

One of the most brazen instances of Crosby’s scheme was when he applied for an attorney position with a law firm in California using the alias Richard Williams. He even went as far as claiming to be a University of Michigan football player and an ex-Marine. Crosby used his girlfriend’s Social Security number, passport number, and banking information to complete his onboarding paperwork at the law firm.

In April 2023, the firm received an inquiry from an investigator with the Clermont County Child Support Enforcement Office, making the firm aware of Crosby’s true identity. He was subsequently fired. Crosby’s scheme continued until July 2023, when he was arrested on federal charges.

Defendant Information:

Defendant: Richard Louis Crosby III

Criminal Charges: Three counts of Social Security number fraud

City and State: Cincinnati, Ohio

Arrest Date: May 2022

Sentence: 37 months in prison

Fines: None

Dollar Amounts:

None

Other Information:

Crosby’s scheme involved using false identities to obtain employment with at least seven law firms. He used his girlfriend’s Social Security number, passport number, and banking information to complete his onboarding paperwork at one of the law firms.

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