Statesboro Man Convicted On Identity Theft Charges

Jai Devon Lee, age 39, of Statesboro, Georgia, was convicted on October 27, 2015 of identity theft, aggravated identity theft and fraud in connection with access devices following a two-day jury trial in Valdosta.  Senior U.S. District Court Judge Hugh Lawson presided over the trial.

Evidence presented at trial showed that in June 2014, Mr. Lee possessed documents containing personal identifying information, including names, social security numbers, and dates of birth of more than 1000 individuals, intended to be used for fraudulent purposes.  A tip was made to the U.S. Secret Service office in Albany, Georgia on June 19, 2014 informing the agency that Mr. Lee was trying to arrange to sell the personal identifying information (PII) through the source for $50 each.  A meeting was arranged at a Valdosta restaurant on June 25, 2014 between Mr. Lee and a Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office detective posing as a buyer who would purchase 900 of the documents for $45,000.00.  Mr. Lee arrived with a backpack containing a shoebox filed with the stolen identifying information he intended to sell, as well as a folder containing more stolen identifying information, including some personal credit reports. Mr. Lee was taken into custody at that time and charged.

U.S. Attorney Michael Moore said, “This conviction in this case is the result of the good work and cooperation between the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and the Secret Service.  Identity theft crimes wreak havoc for those whose information is stolen.  The frustration that these victims suffer in having to monitor their credit reports and request new credit cards and checking accounts is not lost on federal law enforcement agencies.  We’ll continue to pursue those who commit these crimes.  As we prepare for sentencing, I expect that the only number Mr. Lee has on his mind is the number of years he can expect to spend in federal prison.”          

“Identity theft is an ever-increasing problem throughout the country.  The U.S. Secret Service remains committed to aggressively investigating those responsible for committing identity theft for the purpose of defrauding the nation’s financial system. Victims that have their personally identifiable information (PII) stolen have their lives invaded in a way that often causes long lasting financial consequences.  Along with our law enforcement partners we will continue to pursue those committing these crimes,” said Clint A. Bush, Resident Agent in Charge, Albany, Georgia Resident Office, United States Secret Service.

Sentencing will take place on February 24, 2015 at 9:30 am in Valdosta.  Mr. Lee has an extensive criminal record, including nine (9) prior felony convictions, and faces a possible maximum sentence of twenty-two (22) years imprisonment.                        

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers is prosecuting the case on behalf of the Government.