An Inglewood man who pleaded guilty last year to aggravated identity theft and bank fraud, was sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison. Ronald Reed, 70, was accused of recruiting four Wells Fargo employees to steal personal information from Wells Fargo customers using the bank’s records.

Reed purchased the information, which included birth dates, Social Security numbers, driver license numbers and other personally identifying information. Reed then used the information to provide fake identification to other co-conspirators, who deposited worthless checks into customer accounts and withdrew funds at Wells Fargo branches around the country. Investigators have not yet identified some of the co-conspirators hired by Reed to loot customer accounts.

Los Angeles Identity Theft Lawyer

Identity theft can be prosecuted by either the federal courts or state courts. Federal defendants face a steep challenge. The federal government is well funded and well prepared. Statistically, the likelihood of being convicted in federal court is high. That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced federal defense attorney by your side in court.

Robert Helfend has more than 30 years of experience as a Federal criminal defense attorney, and takes cases in any federal circuit. He also takes cases in state courts in Los Angeles County and throughout Southern California.

Identity theft prosecutions have increased substantially, as have the penalties associated with a conviction. Over the course of five years, federal Identity Theft prosecutions more than tripled. Don’t risk your freedom by choosing an inexperienced attorney, or one who is not prepared to fight aggressively in federal court.

Contact Robert Helfend or call toll-free at (800) 834-6434, (310) 456-3317, (818) 591-2809 or (805) 273-5611 for an immediate consultation on your Los Angeles County Identity Theft/Antitrust case.

Photo Credit: Mike Mozart, via Flickr.com