Russian Man Charged With Identity Theft And Counterfeiting Social Security Cards

A federal grand jury returned an eight-count superseding indictment charging Sergei Davidoff, aka Sergiu Davidov, aka Sammy Davidoff, aka Sergio Da Vido, age 53 and a native of Siberia, Russia, with multiple counts of identity theft, fraudulent use of credit cards and identification documents, counterfeiting Social Security cards, and aggravated identity theft, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The superseding indictment alleges that Davidoff possessed devices and programs used to create false identification documents.  Davidoff also acquired and produced numerous false identification documents and counterfeit or unauthorized credit cards, according to the indictment.

Through these unauthorized and counterfeit cards, defendant purchased merchandise and services valued at more than $1,000.  It further alleges that the defendant created counterfeit Social Security cards and committed aggravated identity theft against three individuals between 2009 and 2014 as part of his scheme, according to the indictment.

Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Cronin is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the United States Secret Service, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and the Medina Police Department.

If convicted, the Court will determine the defendant’s sentence after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum.  In most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.