CHARLESTON, W.Va. – John Shilling, 29, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston to aggravated identity theft. In February 2008, Shilling gained access to personal identifying information belonging to a person living in Athens, Ohio. Using the victim's name and social security number, Shilling applied for a Discover card and had the credit card mailed to his residence in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Upon receipt, Shilling activated the card, and then added himself as an "authorized user" to a second Discover card, which was also mailed to Shilling's residence. Once activated, Shilling charged $3,345 in charges over the course of four days. Shilling, who is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29, 2010, faces a mandatory sentence of two years of imprisonment, one year of supervised release upon the completion of his prison term, and a $250,000 fine. The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is handling the prosecution.

This case was prosecuted as a part of the United States Attorney's identity theft initiative. Please follow this link to the release announcing the initiative.

 

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