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Lexington Man Sentenced for Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft
A Lexington man, Ronald Jerome Woolfolk, Jr., 27, was sentenced to 34 months in prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Woolfolk was employed as a licensed mortician apprentice at a funeral home in Fayette County.
According to court documents, from August 15, 2022, through October 16, 2023, Woolfolk defrauded a charity that financially supported families affected by the tragedy of losing a child. Woolfolk used the funeral home’s email address to submit approximately 23 requests to the charity seeking financial assistance on behalf of both real and fictitious deceased persons and their families.
The requests contained false information and fictitious documentation to support the requests for funding, including fake invoices for funeral expenses, fake cremation certificates, and fabricated letters using the funeral home’s letterhead. Woolfolk directed the payments to a fake company he created.
Of the approximately 23 fraudulent requests for assistance, Woolfolk sought assistance with funeral expenses for three real deceased babies/toddlers and two young adults. Neither the funeral home, nor the family members of the deceased, knew of Woolfolk’s actions.
In total, Woolfolk fraudulently obtained $11,929.49 from the charity. Woolfolk must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Mattingly Williams is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
The crime occurred in Lexington, Kentucky, and the sentencing took place on an unspecified date. Woolfolk’s actions were a betrayal of trust, and his sentence reflects the severity of his crimes.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Secret Service stated that the agency will continue to investigate and prosecute individuals who engage in wire fraud and identity theft. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Key Facts
- State: Kentucky
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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