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Press Release

Illinois Residents Charged In Identity Theft Scheme

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH - Two Illinois residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy, using unauthorized access device in aggregate of $1,000, possessing device- making equipment, possessing 15 or more access devices, and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The six-count superseding indictment, returned on April 29, named Joel M. Cosey, 25, of Chicago, Illinois, and Monique S. Morris, 33, of Bolingbrook, Illinois.

According to the indictment, Cosey was charged with conspiracy, possessing device- making equipment, possessing 15 or more access devices, aggravated identity theft, and two counts of using unauthorized access device in aggregate of $1,000 on or about Aug. 9, 2013.

According to the indictment, Morris was charged with conspiracy and two counts of using unauthorized access device in aggregate of $1,000 on or about Aug. 9, 2013.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 52 years in prison, a fine of $1,500,000 or both for Cosey. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 years in prison, a fine of $750,000 or both for Morris. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Updated July 14, 2015