An Atlanta woman has pleaded guilty to federal charges after prosecutors said she used the identity of a professional basketball player to try to get a $2.5 million loan.
According to a statement from U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito, Annie, a 51 year old Atlanta resident, filed fraudulent loan documents in October and November of 2013. Prosecutors said the documents were filed in the name of a New Jersey resident who was an NBA player at the time. The player’s name was not released.
Annie pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Carpenito said she forged the player’s signature on several documents tied to the application, including an escrow document that said the loan money would go into a bank account she controlled.
The wire fraud charge carries up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The aggravated identity theft charge carries up to two years in prison. Her sentencing hearing was scheduled for March 4, 2020. No public comment from Annie was included in the announcement.
Stories like this are a good reminder to keep a close eye on your own financial paperwork and credit, because identity theft can happen to anyone, famous or not.
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