Kenner Woman Charged With Theft of Public Money and Aggravated Identity Theft

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that NISIKA WEST, age 36, of Kenner,  was charged today in a six-count Indictment with theft of public money and aggravated identity theft.

According to the Indictment, between in or about March 2012 and May 2012, WEST knowingly stole money from the United States Department of the Treasury in the form of federal tax refunds by using stolen identities.

If convicted, WEST faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, followed by three years of supervised release, a maximum fine of $250,000, and restitution, as to each of Counts 1 through 3.  As to Counts 4 through 6, the defendant faces a mandatory two years of imprisonment as to each count in addition to any sentence received for Counts 1 through 3.   

United States Attorney Polite reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.  Assistant United States Attorney G. Dall Kammer is in charge of the prosecution.