NEW ORLEANS U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced thatRYAN CLARK, age 35, of New Orleans, LA, was sentenced on Oct. 13, 2021 to 42 months of incarceration by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk for having committed conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft (count 1) and aggravated identity theft (count 3).
According to court documents, the defendant was arrested after an investigation initiated by the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office and the United States Secret Service.CLARKand others created and sold fake Louisiana drivers licenses with the names and dates of birth of real persons who were victims of identity theft. Using the fake licenses,CLARKfacilitated the sale of at least six motor vehicles from several local dealerships. The fraudsters would use the stolen identities and the fake licenses to buy high end used cars. No money was ever paid and the loans went into default.
In addition to incarceration,CLARKwas sentenced to three (3) years of supervised release and payment of a mandatory $200 special assessment fee. His self-surrender date is set for Jan. 3, 2022, and a restitution hearing was set for January 5, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the agencies that contributed to this indictment, which represents a coordinated effort of federal and state law enforcement authorities within the United States Secret Service Louisiana Cyber Fraud Task Force (CFTF). U.S. Attorney Evans also thanked the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office and the Jefferson Parish District Attorneys Office for their assistance. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward J. Rivera.
Source: U.S. Secret Service