Jeremy Jones was originally indicted in February 2016, and in November 2017, was found guilty of using stolen identities to defraud over 100 individual victims and several financial institutions of more than 1.9 million dollars. Furthermore, Jones was found guilty on two counts of tampering with a government witness.
Identity Theft is a heinous crime that attacks individuals credit worthiness, U.S. financial institutions and our trusted merchants, said Channing Irvin, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Memphis Field Office. This case illustrates the significant community impact, whereby a doctors office and its patients were victimized. The Secret Service prides itself in protecting our communities and nations financial institutions. Identity Theft crimes serve as one of our core violations, which we vigorously investigate.
According to information provided in the courtroom, Jones executed a scheme to steal identities of his personal acquaintances, car dealers, and over 145 Memphis Neurology patients throughout 2011, 2012 and 2015. The investigation revealed that Jones used the stolen personal identifiers to apply for credit cards, loans, and create bank accounts using the stolen information without their knowledge. Jones used the internet and U.S. Postal Service to submit and receive loan applications, checks and other financial information from several lenders throughout the United States.
Jones conspired with an employee at Memphis Neurology who had access to patient personal information. The co-conspirator provided Jones with the patient information in return for compensation.
This is one of the most egregious acts of fraud that has been seen in the Western District of Tennessee. Identity theft and financial fraud of this magnitude and scale by the defendant has victimized hundreds of people by compromising their personal and private information for his own selfish and unjust enrichment, and I am pleased that we have been able to hold the defendant accountable and achieve justice for the victims. said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant.
In addition to serving 102 months in prison, Jones was ordered to pay $199,698.35 in victim restitution.
This was a joint investigation between the United States Secret Service and United States Postal Inspection Service.
-- United States Secret Service
Source: U.S. Secret Service