The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Matthew S. Melvin, age 34, from Shelburne, Vermont, has been arrested and indicted on identity theft and related charges. Melvin made his initial appearance in federal court on June 30, 2016 for his arraignment on the ten-count indictment. Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy ordered Melvin released on various conditions of pre-trial release.
As charged in the indictment, from approximately 2008 through 2013, Melvin devised a scheme to defraud multiple companies around the nation by means of fraudulent pretenses and aggravated identity theft. As part of the scheme, Melvin applied for jobs to multiple companies using stolen or assumed identities, and Melvin convinced these companies to mail or wire him money in the names of the stolen or assumed identities. Melvin had the fraudulently-obtained proceeds from his scheme deposited into his personal bank accounts, and Melvin subsequently transferred those funds between his bank accounts. The indictment charges Melvin with three counts of mail fraud, three counts of wire fraud, three counts of identity theft, and one count of money laundering.
The charges against Melvin are merely accusations and Melvin is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, Melvin’s sentence will be advised by the federal sentencing guidelines.
The case against Melvin is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, with assistance from the United States Secret Service.
The United States is represented in this case by Assistant United States Attorney Kunal Pasricha. Melvin is represented by Assistant Federal Defender Elizabeth K. Quinn.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
