Memphis, TN - A 34-year-old Memphis woman has been sentenced to nearly six years in prison for access device fraud and identity theft.
At different times between Dec. 1, 2011 and Feb. 1, 2012, Kavecia Simon, while employed in the payroll department of Fred’s Department Store, illegally obtained the names, social security numbers and other personal information of colleagues, according to an indictment and facts discussed in court.
After obtaining the personal information of various coworkers, she would access Fred’s computer system and use the stolen information to order and route Fred’s pay cards. The pay cards were solely for reimbursing Fred’s employees for overtime and company expenses. However, Simon used them for personal benefit.
Further investigation revealed that Simon used additional victims’ information to acquire credit accounts and rent apartments. Altogether, Simon fraudulently obtained over $20,000 during her scheme.
In June 2014, Simon pled guilty, but she failed to appear for her sentencing that October. While in fugitive status, she committed additional acts of identity theft. In March 2015, she was apprehended in Desoto County, Mississippi.
Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Simon to 70 months in prison on Friday, May 22nd.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and Memphis Police Department Economic Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hall prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
