A Lawrence woman has been handed a probation sentence for her involvement in a vehicle-purchasing fraud scheme leveraging stolen identities. The U.S. Attorney's Office announced that Wanda Sanchez, 40, will serve two years of probation after her guilty plea to charges including wire fraud and the false representation of a Social Security number.
The fraud involved the use of stolen biographical information from U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico. Sanchez attempted to secure 100% financing on a late-model car at a Massachusetts dealership, armed with a bogus Puerto Rico driver's license and Social Security card. The plan went south when her accomplice, Ricardo Acevedo, was apprehended by authorities as he tried to pick up the vehicle.
As reported by the Department of Justice, Sanchez is not alone in her unlawful endeavors; she is the fifth defendant sentenced in the case. Her co-defendants and she managed to fraudulently buy at least 47 vehicles as well as over $270,000 in other merchandise. This led to a staggering loss of over $2 million to the victims of their deceit.
While Sanchez may face a relatively light probation sentence, her then-boyfriend Acevedo was not so lucky, receiving a six-year prison term after his guilty plea. The group's actions have imposed a heavy cost, with a restitution order totaling over $781,000 for claims that victims filed.
In a collective effort spanning several law enforcement agencies, the investigation was spearheaded by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy, accompanied by authorities from the Massachusetts State Police and local police departments, revealed the sentencing outcomes. Assistance from the Lowell, Lawrence, Methuen, Haverhill, Woburn, and Dartmouth Police Departments was also acknowledged.
