Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty in Identity Theft Ring

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Terry Porterfield, age 44, pleaded guilty to two counts before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Porterfield participated in an identity theft ring, through which he broke into unoccupied vehicles and stole means of identification and access devices of individuals, including driver licenses, credit cards, debit cards, and Social Security cards. Porterfield and other members of the conspiracy used the stolen means of identification and access devices to make and attempt to make fraudulent purchases at various retail establishments, including Target and Best Buy.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for April 23, 2020. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 22 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Secret Service, the Allegheny County Police, Ross Township Police, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Porterfield.