Man gets 2 yrs for identity theft

HUNTINGTON -- Identity theft netted Justin D. Bailey a two-year prison sentence. He was one of two men sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

Bailey had pleaded guilty in August to a single count of aggravated identity theft. Federal prosecutors agreed to dismiss additional counts of aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, mail fraud, access device fraud and bank fraud in exchange for Bailey's admission.

The punishment also includes $29,957.04 in restitution.

Bailey signed a stipulation of facts explaining his role in the crime, which occurred between March 25, 2008, and April 28, 2008. The estimated amount derived by Bailey's scheme totaled $48,137, the stipulation states.

Bailey took his victim's identification, used it to apply for a credit card and then activated the card. The stipulation states he applied for the card with a computer located in Hurricane, W.Va., and had it mailed to a residence in the same town.

Bailey used the credit card to buy items in Cabell, Putnam and Kanawha counties totaling $10,796. The transactions affected various people, businesses, banks and others, the stipulation states.

The stipulation also states Bailey used means of identification to obtain bank loans from BB&T Bank, a boat loan from Marine One Financing and credit from First Premier Bank and GEMB/Texico.