NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Christopher A. Phillips, 25-year-old New York man who formerly resided in Newport News, was sentenced to three years in prison for a mail fraud and identity theft scheme.
According to a news release, court documents confirm that Phillips stole mail and used the victim's personal information to open new bank accounts and lines of credit in their name.
Officials said that Phillips also used techniques like following mail routes to retrieve access to new account information before his victims became aware.
Phillips then repeatedly purchased goods and services using the accounts he had opened in the victims’ names, resulting in a total loss of approximately $35,000, according to the release.
Investigators have identified at least 12 of his victims across Isle of Wight, Southampton, and Sussex Counties, and during Phillips' arrest, investigators were able to recover some stolen mail and electronic devices.
There are more suspected victims.
