BRIDGEPORT, CT – Angel Eugenio Bances Chaponan, 60, a citizen of Peru formerly of Queens, New York, is facing federal prison time after admitting to a sophisticated identity theft scheme that spanned multiple states. Bances Chaponan pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Judge Stefan R. Underhill to one count of aggravated identity theft, a charge that carries a mandatory minimum sentence.
The case, spearheaded by the FBI and a coalition of local law enforcement, began unraveling a network of “distraction thefts” targeting unsuspecting shoppers at stores like Trader Joe’s and TJ Maxx in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Virginia, and beyond. Investigators discovered Bances Chaponan and his accomplices were systematically renting vehicles to crisscross the country, preying on vulnerable individuals and making off with their wallets.
The operation wasn’t about quick cash; it was about high-value purchases. Once a wallet was lifted, the stolen credit and debit cards were immediately used to buy expensive electronic devices – a clear indication of a planned and organized effort. The brazenness of the scheme was highlighted by Bances Chaponan’s arrest on March 13, 2024, just moments after he allegedly used a stolen card to purchase a MacBook valued at approximately $2,850 and an iPad Pro for around $1,050. He’s been cooling his heels in jail ever since.
United States Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery for the District of Connecticut made the announcement, emphasizing the collaborative effort that brought Bances Chaponan to justice. “This investigation demonstrates our commitment to pursuing individuals who exploit and victimize others through identity theft and related crimes,” Avery stated. The investigation remains ongoing, suggesting there may be additional players involved in the scheme.
Judge Underhill has set sentencing for September 12. Bances Chaponan is guaranteed to receive at least two years in prison due to the mandatory minimum sentencing requirement for aggravated identity theft. While the investigation continues, this conviction marks a significant blow to the operation and sends a clear message: stealing identities and exploiting vulnerable shoppers will not be tolerated.
The investigation was a joint effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Manchester (Conn.) Police Department, the Fairfax County (Va.) Police Department, the Spartanburg County (S.C.) Sheriff’s Office, and the Spartanburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Nathan J. Guevremont are prosecuting the case, ensuring Bances Chaponan faces the full weight of the law for his crimes.
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Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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