Press Releases
FORMER NAVY EMPLOYEE INDICTED FOR PRE-KATRINA IDENTITY THEFT
May 15, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARKHAM E. TURNER, age 38, a resident of Fort Worth, Texas, was charged in a two-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for Identity Theft and Knowing Use of a False Social Security Number, announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten.
According to the indictment, TURNER, a former civilian employee with the Naval Personnel Transportation Office at Naval Support Activity in New Orleans, opened credit accounts and purchased an automobile utilizing the identity of a Naval Reservist with a similar name. The victim, a police officer, lives in Littleton, CO. Navy Investigators determined that the defendant had used the victim’s social security number and partial address to fraudulently obtain a Louisiana State driver’s license and purchase a new 2004 Ford F-150 pick up truck from Bohn Ford valued at $26,870 in February, 2004 using the victim’s identity.
If convicted, TURNER faces a maximum penalty of imprisonment for fifteen (15) years, a fine of $250,000 and three (3) years supervised release and $100 special assessment
U. S. Attorney Letten reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Julia K. Evans and was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Department of Navy, NCIS New Orleans.
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