Former Jefferson County Resident Pleads Guilty to Identity Theft and Student Loan Fraud Charges

St. Louis, MO – Malachi Duncan a/k/a “Demarcus Brewster” pled guilty to charges of student loan fraud and aggravated identity theft. Duncan appeared today before United States District Judge John A. Ross.

According to court documents, Duncan fraudulently used the pedigree information of co-conspirator “Demarcus Brewster” to enroll and gain admission as a full-time student during the 2013-2014 school year at Jefferson College in Hillsboro, MO. As part of the scheme, Duncan fraudulently used Brewster’s identity to obtain federal financial aid, student housing, and on-campus employment. Duncan ultimately was arrested in Memphis, Tennessee where he used an alias to fraudulently enroll as a student at the University of Memphis.

Duncan, 32, a former resident of Hillsboro, Missouri, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit student loan fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Sentencing has been set for October 24, 2017.

Duncan faces a statutory mandatory two-year term of imprisonment for aggravated identity theft. also faces a maximum possible penalty of 5 years and/or a fine of up to $250,000.00 for conspiracy to commit student loan fraud. The penalty imposed for aggravated identity theft must run consecutive to the penalty imposed for conspiracy to commit student loan fraud. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Department of Education, the Office of the Inspector General/Social Security Administration, the United States Marshals Service, the Hillsboro Police Department, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, and the Jefferson College Campus Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Roy is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.