PORTLAND, Ore. - U.S. District Judge Michael Mosman today sentenced Gregory Michael Zimmerman, 36, of Portland, to 51 months in prison and five years of supervised release for his role in a fraud scheme that targeted dozens of cities across the United States from 2001 through 2007. Zimmerman was also ordered to pay $347,813.32 in restitution to his victims.

Zimmerman was associated with a team of individuals who traveled from Portland to other cities to burglarize commercial office buildings, steal checks, credit cards, and personal information, and then use the stolen items to commit bank fraud. In May 2012, Zimmerman pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, and admitted that he participated in the scheme from 2003 to 2006.

"Identity theft and financial fraud are serious crimes that have a devastating impact on victims," said U.S. Attorney S. Amanda Marshall. "Let this lengthy sentence send a clear message that these crimes will result in severe consequences."

Zimmerman, a graphic designer, produced high-quality false identification documents for members of his team, using personal information the team stole from commercial office buildings. Team members then used the false identification documents to cash fraudulent checks at several banks throughout the country and shop with stolen credit cards.

Zimmerman absconded from pre-trial supervision in this case and was a fugitive from justice for two years. Previously, Judge Mosman sentenced Antione Lawrence to 97 months in prison, Donald Wright to 51 months in prison, Bradley Maier and Richard Mastin to 41 months in prison, and Reggie Maier and Raymond Contreras to 24 months in prison. U.S. District Judge James Redden sentenced Alfonso Lopez-Ramirez to 71 months in prison, all in connection with this scheme.

This case stemmed from a joint investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacie Beckerman and Amy Potter.