UNITED STATES ATTORNEY JOYCE WHITE VANCE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA
	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE			CONTACT: PEGGY SANFORD
	AUGUST 26, 2009			PHONE: (205) 244-2020
	www.usdoj.gov/usao/aln			FAX: (205) 244-2171

ATHENS WOMAN INDICTED FOR AGGRAVATED IDENTITY THEFT

            BIRMINGHAM, AL - United States Attorney Joyce White Vance and David W. Bosch, Postal Inspector/Domicile Coordinator, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, announced today that a federal grand jury indicted a 23-year-old Athens woman for wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and possession of five or more identification documents.

            JENNIFER FREEMAN was charged in a three-count indictment filed today at U.S. District Court in Birmingham. The indictment charges that, between October 2007 and January 2008, Freeman possessed the personal information of an individual identified by the initials “B.H.”  In applying on-line for a credit card in the name of “B.H.,” Freeman unlawfully used that person’s name, social security number and date of birth.  The indictment also charges that on January 30, 2008, Freeman unlawfully possessed identification of another person with the intent to commit a violation of federal law.

            The maximum penalty for wire fraud is 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000, or both. The maximum penalty for aggravated identity theft is not less than two years imprisonment, which must be served consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, and a fine of up to $250,000, or both. The maximum penalty for possession of five or more identification documents is 15 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $750,000, or both. 

            This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alison S. Austin.

            Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only charges.  A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

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