Larimer Man Charged in Identity Theft Ring

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – One resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Conspiracy, Access Device Fraud, Wire Fraud, and Aggravated Identity Theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The four-count indictment named Terry Porterfield, 42, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, 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 card, 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.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than two years and not more than of 37 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be 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, Allegheny County Police, Ross Township Police, and Pittsburgh Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.