Erie Man Obtained Loans And Credit Cards Through Fraud

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of using a social security number assigned to another, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Edward Phillips, 58, pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Phillips obtained and used a social security number that was not assigned to him to obtain various credit cards and loans.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for February 7, 2014 at 11:30 a.m.  The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Mitchell on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Phillips.