PHOENIX – LAWFUEL – Law News & Law Jobs Network – Benjamin Files Jameson, 49, of Phoenix, pleaded guilty today to aggravated
identity theft and social security fraud in federal district court in Phoenix.
Jameson was indicted for those crimes on February 28, 2006. Evidence developed during the government’s investigation established that Jameson, who has previously been convicted of unlawful
possession of an access device by the State of Arizona, used the name and social security number of another person to obtain a Target credit card online. Jameson then used the credit card to purchase Target gift cards, which he sent to his residence. Jameson ultimately used the gift cards to purchase various items at Target. A federal search warrant executed at Jameson’s residence in September 2005 uncovered evidence linking Jameson to identity theft, including a Target receipt for an item purchased with one of the fraudulently obtained gift cards.
A conviction for aggravated identity theft carries a 2 year mandatory term of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000. A conviction for Social Security Fraud carries a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000. Federal law requires that convictions for
aggravated identity theft and social security fraud run consecutively.
In determining an actual sentence, Judge Neil V. Wake will consult the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing
ranges. The judge, however, is not bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence.
Sentencing is set before Judge Neil V. Wake on January 22, 2006.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
The prosecution is being handled by Robert Long, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-06-224-PHX-NVW
RELEASE NUMBER: 2006-218(Jameson)
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