Former Moberly Correctional Center Inmate Sentenced on Federal Conspiracy Charges
| U.S. Attorney’s Office May 21, 2013 |
ST. LOUIS, MO—Anthony Johnson pled guilty in February to one felony count of conspiracy to commit identity theft and three felony counts of identity theft. He appeared today for sentencing before United States District Judge Henry Autrey.
Anthony Johnson and his two associates referred to themselves as the “Hilton” family. Between July 2009 and March 2011, Johnson engaged in a conspiracy to steal identification information of unsuspecting victims, open new credit accounts using the stolen identities, and use the fraudulent credit accounts to deposit money into the accounts of inmates at the Moberly Correctional Center (MCC). Today he was sentenced to 60 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $80,000.
According to Johnson’s plea documents, once they obtained credit accounts, they wire transferred money into the accounts of inmates, which was then sent to Johnson’s co-defendants and other people outside of MCC.
Co-defendants Cedric Walton, Memphis, Tennessee, was indicted on the conspiracy count and one count of identity theft; and Timothy Moore, Memphis, Tennessee, was indicted on conspiracy. Their cases are still pending.
Conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000; each count of identity theft carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the Postal Inspection Service; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Moberly, Missouri Police Department; and the Missouri Department of Corrections. Assistant United States Attorney Reginald Harris is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Defendants Walton and Moore are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.