Identity theft, fraud, bribery and other crimes often come with heavy penalties for those who are convicted in the Washington, D.C. area and elsewhere. Police recently arrested four people in a nearby state who prosecutors allege were involved in identity theft crimes. Serious crimes like these often require a strong criminal defense.

The arrests stem from a tip apparently given to the county prosecutor's Economic Crime Unit regarding incidences of identity theft by government employees. After an investigation, it was suspected that individuals employed by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission were stealing and selling Social Security numbers, and other personal identification data obtained from government records and databases.

Recently, two employees of the MVC in Trenton, New Jersey were arrested on allegations that they were involved in the scheme. They currently face charges of official misconduct, bribery and identity theft. The two could face prison sentences if found guilty of the charges.

Police also arrested two other New Jersey residents on charges of trafficking in personal identifying information pertaining to another person and identity theft. Prosecutors allege that these individuals were selling personal information that they obtained through their employment. One is employed as a tax preparer and the other works for a real estate firm. The real estate employee is alleged to have had personal information related to more than 60 different people in his vehicle when police searched his car.

If any of the four New Jersey residents above are found guilty, they will be in danger of spending as much as 10 years in prison. However, as with all criminal cases, these individuals are innocent until proven guilty.

Source: Network World, "New Jersey charges four in identity theft cases," George V. Hulme, Nov. 28, 2011