New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty To Conspiracy to Commit Access Device Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that RYAN CLARK, age 34, of New Orleans, LA, pleaded guilty on October 9, 2019 to conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft (count 1) and aggravated identity theft (count 3) before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk.

According to court documents, the defendant was arrested after an investigation initiated by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the United States Secret Service. CLARK and others created and sold fake Louisiana drivers’ licenses with the names and dates of birth of real persons who were victims of identity theft. Using the fake licenses, CLARK facilitated the sale of at least six motor vehicles from several local dealerships. The fraudsters would use the stolen identities and the fake licenses to buy high end used cars. No money was ever paid and the loans went into default.

CLARK is facing up to five years of incarceration for the conspiracy (count 1) and two years consecutive to whatever sentence is imposed for the aggravated identity theft (count 3). Each count can be followed by up to three years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for January 22, 2020.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the agencies that contributed to this indictment, which represents a coordinated effort of federal and state law enforcement authorities within the Louisiana Financial Crimes Task Force.  The Task Force includes representatives from the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, New Orleans Police Department, Covington Police Department, Hammond Police Department, Kenner Police Department, Louisiana State Police, Mandeville Police Department, Slidell Police Department, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. John The Baptist Sheriff’s Office, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. State Department, Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.  U.S. Attorney Strasser also thanked the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office for their assistance.   The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward J. Rivera.

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