A Portland man has received a 36-month federal prison sentence for a string of fraudulent financial activities, which involved exploiting a person with an intellectual disability to unlawfully acquire over $426,000. Clinton Wells, 36, faced the court’s judgment for his conduct, which included bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
The case against Wells unfolded after he was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 13, 2024, as reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Court documents indicate that Wells began to illegally siphon funds the day after establishing a working relationship with the victim at a national tax preparation firm in March 2019. He proceeded to completely control the victim's bank accounts, allowing to him rapidly transfer money and make online purchases using the stolen information.
After extensive investigation by agencies including the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and IRS Criminal Investigation, Wells was required to not only serve time behind bars but also to repay the full amount he stole. The details of the transactions were brought to light eventually after the victim passed away, and relatives discovered the unauthorized transactions.
"On October 30, 2024, Wells pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft," according to the same justice department statement. Wells' admission of guilt likely played a role in the sentencing, which also stipulates three years of supervised release following prison.
