St. Louis, MO - Kenneth Edwards, St. Louis City, was indicted on wire fraud and identity theft charges involving a scheme to use counterfeit checks to make purchases at local Walmart and Sam’s stores.
According to the indictment, from August to December 2015, Edwards used a stolen account number and routing number to purchase valuable goods from retail stores using forged or counterfeit checks. Edwards allegedly obtained a checkbook, identification and other information after it was stolen from a victim on August 2015.
Edwards was indicted by a federal grand jury August 17th on three felony counts of wire fraud and one felony count of aggravated identity theft. He appeared in federal court Thursday afternoon, September 8th.
If convicted, wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000. Aggravated identity theft carries two 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 Maplewood Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Tom Albus 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. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
