Philadelphia Man Convicted of All Counts Related to Stealing the Identities of More Than 1,300 People

PHILADELPHIA—David Ballard, 35, of Philadelphia, was convicted today of eight counts of mail fraud and five counts of aggravated identity theft in connection with an attempted scheme to defraud more than 1,300 individuals. Between January 2010 and April 2011, Ballard obtained names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and other identifying information for more than 1,300 people and, using the stolen information, opened credit cards in their names which he then used to order items over the Internet. The items—for the most part expensive electronic equipment—were then shipped to the individuals whose information was used to purchase them. Ballard would allegedly seek to intercept the shipments before they arrived at their intended destination. The items that Ballard allegedly caused to be delivered were valued at more than $55,000.

Ballard faces a statutory maximum sentence of 170 years’ imprisonment, including a mandatory term of two years’ imprisonment, a three-year term of supervised release, a fine of up to $3.25 million, and a $1,300 special assessment.

The case was investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren M. Ouziel.