Tyree Skipper, Aggravated Identity Theft, West Virginia 2017

Identity Thief Sentenced to 24 Months

A 44-year-old Ohio man has been sentenced to 24 months in prison for his role in a massive identity theft scheme that targeted individuals in multiple states.

Tyree Skipper, of Euclid, Ohio, was sentenced yesterday in a West Virginia court for aggravated identity theft, a crime he admitted to committing between December 2012 and May 2013 in Gilmer County, West Virginia.

According to court documents, Skipper used the identifying information of individuals to file fraudulent tax returns in Ohio, South Carolina, and Hawaii. The scheme, which was uncovered in 2013, resulted in significant financial losses for the victims.

Skipper pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated identity theft in February 2017. The Internal Revenue Service and the Special Investigative Services Unit of the Bureau of Prisons investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided over the case.

The sentencing brings an end to a lengthy investigation and prosecution. The victims of Skipper's identity theft scheme are still seeking justice and compensation for their losses.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/ohio-man-sentenced-identity-theft