A North Carolina woman is heading to prison for over four years after a suitcase full of stolen identities landed her in hot water.
A Rolling Case of Fraud
Jessica Bailey Sowell, 32, was busted for a massive identity theft and bank fraud scheme that ran from March 2023 to February 2024. She used stolen personal information – gathered from mail theft, the internet, and other sources – to create fake IDs. With these fake IDs, she went on a shopping spree, using stolen credit cards at banks, hotels, and stores.
The Bust
Investigators caught up with Sowell at a hotel. They found two suitcases: one packed with hundreds of pieces of mail addressed to various people, and another overflowing with newly purchased goods and other incriminating items. Among the loot:
- 23 fake driver’s licenses, all with Sowell’s picture but different victims’ information.
- Two journals detailing the names and credit card information of numerous victims.
- A credit card belonging to one of her victims, along with receipts showing its use.
- An ID card printer, blank cards, and holographic stickers – the tools of her trade.
Even more shocking, they also found a handgun in her hotel room, which she was legally prohibited from possessing.
The Sentence
Sowell pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 57 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. She’ll also have to pay $47,190.25 in restitution to her victims. The charges included bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and illegal firearm possession.