Embezzlement Of Government Property And Aggravated Identity Theft

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced the sentencing of Dontreal Jenkins, age 31, and Trevayne Jones, age 37, both residents of Albany, Georgia, on July 11, 2013, before the Honorable W. Louis Sands, United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia.

On January 11, 2013, a jury found Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Jones guilty of Conspiracy to Embezzle Public Monies, Embezzlement of Government Property, and Aggravated Identity Theft.  In addition, Mr. Jenkins was found guilty of Mail and Wire Fraud Conspiracy and Mr. Jones was found guilty of Misleading Statements.

Judge Sands sentenced Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Jones to each serve one hundred thirty-three (133) months imprisonment, followed by three (3) years supervised release, a $400.00 mandatory assessment fee, and restitution in the amount of $713,000.00 to the victim.  In addition, Mr. Jenkins was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $335,693.00 to the U.S. Department of Education.

Court records revealed that Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Jones both participated in a scheme to steal and cash United States Treasury checks.  In addition, they committed identity theft by unlawfully using the names and signatures of the intended payees without the permission of the payee.

“My office will continue to use the necessary resources to prosecute individuals who steal from the taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.  “When these defendants stole from our student aid program, they didn’t just take money, they threatened the dreams of deserving students.”

“Federal student aid exists so that individuals can pursue and make their dream of a higher education a reality.  As the law enforcement arm of the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring that those who steal student aid or game the system for their own selfish purposes are stopped and held accountable for their criminal actions is a big part of our mission,” said Yessyka Santana, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General's Southern Regional Office.  "That’s why I’m proud of the work of OIG special agents and our law enforcement colleagues for holding these individuals accountable for their criminal actions.”

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the United States Department of Education, Office of Inspector General.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jim Crane.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.