Members of enormous Florida identity theft scheme sentenced to 30 years

FLORIDA —Members of a massive Florida identity theft scheme that targeted seniors have been sentenced to 30 years in prison, Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office has announced.

According to the statement, Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution (OSP) secured the lengthy sentences for Carnessa Rouse, Gregory Engram, and Samishia Askew. The three reportedly stole the identities of more than 120 individuals—most victims being above the age of 65, Moody’s Office said.

Using the victims’ identities, the defendants opened fraudulent credit card accounts to fund luxurious lifestyles, Moody said.

“We secured lengthy prison sentences for three defendants for their roles in a massive identity theft scheme spanning at least seven counties in Florida. These fraudsters victimized more than 120 Floridians—most of them seniors—by stealing and misusing ill-gotten personal information to open fraudulent credit card accounts,” Moody said.

“They then used the credit accounts to fund their extravagant lifestyles. Now their lifestyles will be much more modest in prison thanks to the great work of my Statewide Prosecutors and our hardworking law enforcement partners.”

According to a law enforcement investigation, the trio frequently utilized aliases to hide personal identities from banks, law enforcement, and other public entities—opening hundreds of credit card accounts in the process. The defendants reportedly used the fraudulent credit cards to rent luxury cars, stay in expensive hotels, embark on extravagant vacations and pay for everyday goods.

Pat Siracusa, Circuit Judge for the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida, sentenced the trio to 30 years in prison each. Several victims of the identity theft, most ages’ spanning 70-90, appeared or provided a victim impact statement for the sentencing.

The victims testified about suffering through anxiety, stress, and trauma.