Identity Theft Has Many Masks

Identity theft can take on many forms and keeps many law enforcement officials and investigators well employed. Once caught, offenders can expect harsh repercussions.

Examples of Identity Thieves

In 2003, a New Jersey man who had been charged with fraudulently claiming benefits for a fabricated wife who had died in the World trade Center 9/11 attack, decided to invent "another" spouse and file "another" claim. Thirty eight year old Mark Christopher was not married, but decided to apply for $83,000 worth of survivor's aid from the Red Cross and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) for the second wife who, just like the first, never existed. He received $72,000 of the money but was eventually indicted. He was charged with theft, identity theft as well as falsifying records and faces a maximum of 10 years in prison.

In 2004, a Bronx police officer became a criminal after catching one when he stole a debit card from a man while arresting him. While the suspect remained in custody over the next four days, the officer withdrew almost $2,000 in cash from various cash machines. The officer used the card with an accomplice to the original crime and the two split the cash from the withdrawals according to the indictment. The officer was a member of the anti-crime unit and had been with the force for eight years.

Have you been charged with identity theft?

If you live in the Manhattan area and are currently being investigated for or charged with identity theft, you need to contact a Manhattan criminal defense lawyer as quickly as possible. Law enforcement is cracking down on identity theft hard because of the prevalence of crime in the area. You will need someone to defend you and protect your rights so as to avoid a conviction if at all possible. If convicted, you could be facing prison as well as other penalties associated with the crime. At Hochheiser & Hochheiser, LLP, we can conduct an independent investigation and we may find omitted or overlooked information that resulted in you being charged. We are skilled and aggressive in our defense strategies and will work diligently to help you maintain your freedom.

Contact a Manhattan identity theft attorney at Hochheiser & Hochheiser, LLP to set up a free consultation and we will go over your case in detail.