JACKSONVILLE, FL – Zipporan Carmel Peters, 32, of Jacksonville, has admitted to a brazen scheme involving stolen identities and fraudulent transactions, according to federal court documents unsealed this week. Peters pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, facing a potential 30-year sentence for the bank fraud charge alone, plus a mandatory minimum of two years for the identity theft conviction. She’ll also be on the hook for paying back the victims she and her accomplice, Charles Cornelius Smith, ripped off.
The operation, detailed in court filings, hinged on Smith obtaining the personal details – name, date of birth, and Social Security number – of an unsuspecting victim. He then fabricated a counterfeit South Carolina driver’s license, swapping the victim’s photo with one of Peters. This fraudulent ID became the key to unlocking access to the victim’s Navy Federal Credit Union account. Smith then acted as the driver, ferrying Peters to multiple branches across Clay and Duval Counties.
Once inside, Peters, posing as the victim, systematically drained the account, withdrawing large sums of cash and purchasing thousands of dollars in $500 gift cards. The pair didn’t stop there. They extended their criminal enterprise to multiple cellphone stores in Clay and Duval Counties, using the stolen identity to acquire a significant amount of mobile phones and related accessories – the total value of which reached several thousand dollars. It was a calculated, multi-pronged attack on a single victim’s financial life.
This isn’t a solo act. Charles Cornelius Smith, 35, of Jacksonville, was already sentenced on May 27, 2021, to five years in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy, also facing restitution orders. Judge Brian J. Davis handed down the sentence, acknowledging the severity of the crimes. Smith’s conviction demonstrates a clear intent to prosecute all parties involved in such schemes.
The investigation, a collaborative effort between the United States Secret Service (Jacksonville Field Office), the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Orange Park Police Department, highlights the increasing sophistication of identity theft rings. The Secret Service, typically known for protecting dignitaries, has a significant role in combating financial crimes like this. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein is leading the prosecution, ensuring justice is served.
A sentencing date for Peters has not yet been set. Victims impacted by this fraud should expect to receive information regarding restitution proceedings. This case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of personal information and the devastating consequences of identity theft. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.
Related Federal Cases
- Michael Scott Hillwig, Identity Theft, Bank Fraud, Florida 2024 · South Carolina
- Charles Cornelius Smith, Aggravated Identity Theft, FL 2023 · South Carolina
- Roberto Diaz, Identity Theft, New Jersey 2012 · South Carolina
- Laura Butler Admits to Tax Fraud and Identity Theft, Jacksonville F… · South Carolina
- John M. Bales, Bank Fraud Conspiracy, Texas, 2023 · South Carolina
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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