Identity Thief Sentenced To Six Years In Prison

PHILADELPHIA - Carnell Ragan, 48, of Philadelphia, was sentenced today to 72 months in prison for an identity theft scheme that caused at least $95,233.22 in losses to his victims. The prison term includes a two year mandatory term.  Ragan stole personal information of hundreds of unsuspecting individuals.  He obtained classified hospital records which contained patient and staff account and personal information, official DMV and credit card company’s holograms and employee badges of various companies.  He created counterfeit credit cards and he also sold his victims’ credit card account numbers to anyone who wanted one and who would pay his fee.  He invested in sophisticated equipment which enabled him to do this on a large scale.  When Pennsylvania State Police searched Ragan’s home, they found account numbers written on pieces of paper, on magnetic strips, pressed on credit cards, on ink rolls and in hospital records.  Of those found, 107 victims reported losses.

Ragan pleaded guilty on October 4, 2013, to conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.  In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge R. Barclay Surrick ordered restitution of $95,233.22 to Ragan’s victims, a $200 special assessment, and three years of supervised release. 

The case was investigated by United States Secret Service and Pennsylvania State Police.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Virgil Walker.

UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525