FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

AUSA VICKIE E. LEDUC at 410-209-4885  

July 14, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/md                                       

BRENTWOOD MAN CONVICTED OF AGGRAVATED
IDENTITY THEFT AND COUNTERFEITING CHARGES

Greenbelt, Maryland - A federal jury today convicted Gabriel Adekunle Ageh, age 56, of Brentwood, Maryland, on charges of aggravated identity theft, counterfeiting, possession of implements to make false identification documents, possession of false identification documents, and social security fraud, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein.

According to the evidence presented at trial, Ageh forged immigration documents that are required for entry into and as evidence of authorized stay and employment in the United States. Ageh also produced and possessed several false social security cards, utilizing the social security numbers of other individuals without their knowledge or permission. The evidence showed that Ageh intended to sell these social security cards, as well as a number of other false identification documents that he produced. Testimony showed that Ageh used a computer, typewriter and various document templates to produce these false identification documents.

Ageh must serve a mandatory-minimum sentence of two years’ imprisonment on his conviction for aggravated identity theft and, in addition, faces up to fifteen years’ imprisonment for his other counterfeiting and false-identification document convictions, plus a fine of up to $250,000. U.S. District Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. has scheduled sentencing for September 29, 2006.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the investigative work performed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, the State Department Diplomatic Security Service, and the U.S. Secret Service. Mr. Rosenstein also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina L. Simms and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael R. Dreeben, who prosecuted the case.

This page last modified—July 14, 2006