Mythyas Godiava, Credit Card Trafficking, South Dakota 2016

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Washington Man Held for Stolen IDs and Credit Cards

Mill Creek Man Charged with Unauthorized Credit Cards

A Washington man is behind bars for possessing a stash of stolen identification documents and credit cards, according to a federal indictment unsealed in South Dakota. Mythyas Godiava, 42, of Mill Creek, Washington, was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 19, 2016.

The charges against Godiava relate to an incident on April 4, 2016, during which he allegedly possessed fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, including a stolen passport, according to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

Godiava appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollman on April 26, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment. The investigation is being conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen is prosecuting the case.

Godiava was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for June 28, 2016. The charge is merely an accusation and Godiava is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The case against Godiava is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of identity theft and credit card fraud. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward.