Georgia man sentenced to prison for multi-state identity fraud ring

CANTON, Ga. – A Georgia man will spend over two years in federal jail for main a multi-state identification fraud ring, authorities say.

Officers say 39-year-old Canton resident Kenson Hunte pleaded responsible in federal courtroom to possession with the intent to make use of 5 or extra false identification paperwork.

In keeping with courtroom paperwork, on March 6, 2019, Hunte and his three codefendants have been driving on State Street 27 in Glynn County when a Georgia State Patrol trooper pulled them over for dashing.

When troopers searched the automobile, officers say they discovered 44 pretend driver licenses and different identification playing cards from a number of states.

Within the proof offered in courtroom, attorneys mentioned that beginning round January 2019, Hunte and a co-conspirator used the pretend IDs to purchase 127 cell telephones and community contracts from a third-party retailer in an Alabama Walmart. The 2 allegedly paid solely a proportion of the associated fee up entrance and let the conspirator obtained commissions and kickbacks. Hunte then bought the telephones on the black market.

In whole, officers say the retailer suffered over $104,000 {dollars} in harm. 

“Hunte led his codefendants right into a theft and fraud scheme for no functions aside from to counterpoint themselves on the expense of harmless victims,” mentioned David H. Estes, U.S. Legal professional for the Southern District of Georgia. “Jail time and the cost of considerable restitution will assist maintain him accountable for his crimes.”

Three different codefendants – 39-year-old Norcross resident Sheryl Henderson, 27-year-old Colby Hart, 27 of Vidalia, and 23-year-old Atlanta resident Monique Laing – beforehand pled responsible in connection to the scheme.

A district courtroom choose sentenced Hunte to 34 months in jail with out parole adopted by three years of supervised launch.

Hunte can be ordered to pay restitution of $104,347.16.