A suspect opened a Verizon account online using fraudulent information and ordered two iPhones, according to the Irvine Police Department.
This man was seen picking up the phones from the Verizzon store on Jamboree Road.
The suspect appears to be African American with dark hair and a beard. He was wearing a black jacket in a surveillance photo released by the police.
If you recognize him, please contact Mlelesi@cityofirvine.org.
Here are the penalties the suspect could face under California law for opening a fraudulent Verizon account and obtaining phones:
- Identity Theft (California Penal Code §530.5)
- Classified as a wobbler (can be charged as misdemeanor or felony).
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail and/or $1,000 fine.
- Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison and/or up to $10,000 fine.
- Fraud (California Penal Code §532)
- Also a wobbler offense.
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail and fines up to $1,000.
- Felony: 16 months to 3 years in state prison and fines up to $10,000.
- Wire Fraud (Federal Law)
- If the case involves interstate communications (online account setup), federal prosecutors could charge wire fraud.
- Penalties: Up to 20 years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000 (or 30 years and $1 million if a financial institution is involved).
- Restitution
- Courts typically order repayment for the value of the stolen goods (two iPhones), plus any related losses.