A South Carolina woman has pleaded guilty to leading a massive identity theft and fraud ring that spanned at least nine states, including South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Georgia, Virginia, Missouri, and New York.
Ronda Weston, 49, of Columbia, and nine co-conspirators were convicted in federal court for their roles in the scheme, which involved using stolen identities to obtain money, property, and fraudulent loans.
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According to court documents, the conspirators obtained personal information from the dark web, including names, addresses, social security numbers, and credit scores. They then used this information to create fake driver’s licenses, utility bills, and other documents to carry out their fraudulent activities.
The ring engaged in various schemes, including:
- Vehicle purchases: The conspirators fraudulently purchased luxury vehicles, RVs, motorcycles, and other vehicles.
- Title loans: They obtained fraudulent title loans on vehicles and for personal use.
- Residential rentals: They leased and rented residences using stolen identities, often leaving property owners unpaid.
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Some conspirators also obtained fraudulent loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), intended for businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Weston, identified as the leader of the scheme, faces up to 20 years in federal prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 21st. Her co-conspirators also face various penalties, including prison time, forfeiture of assets, and restitution.
- Ronda Weston, a/k/a “Lisa Caldwell,” a/k/a “Lisa Baker,” 49, of Columbia, pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, and wire fraud related to PPP loans. Weston faces up to 20 years in federal prison, plus an additional mandatory two years in prison consecutive to any other time, forfeiture of assets and property seized from Weston during the investigation, and mandatory restitution. Weston is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 21. This is Weston’s third federal prosecution.
- Kashon Harrison, 46, of Elgin, pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy. Harrison faces an agreed-upon two years in prison, forfeiture of assets and property, and mandatory restitution. Harrison is awaiting sentencing. This is Harrison’s second federal prosecution.
- Michael Terrance Butler, 54, of Columbia, pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft. Butler faces up to 20 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 14.
- Kasaun Dante Simons, 27, of Blythewood, pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy. Simons faces up to 20 years in prison, forfeiture of assets and property seized from Simons during the investigation, and mandatory restitution. Simons is awaiting sentencing.
- William Charles Brown, 37, of Columbia, pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft. Brown faces a mandatory two years in federal prison, forfeiture of assets and property, and mandatory restitution. Brown is awaiting sentencing. This is Brown’s second federal prosecution.
- Monique Sherrie Corbett, a/k/a “Monique Sumter,” 52, of Columbia, pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft and was sentenced to two years in prison, to be followed by one year of supervision, and more than $37,000 in restitution.
- Stanzetta Teresa Johnson, 63, of Columbia, pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft. Johnson faces a mandatory two years in prison, forfeiture of assets and property, and mandatory restitution. Johnson is awaiting sentencing.
- Shakirah Khalidah Chapman, 28, of Columbia, pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft. Chapman faces a mandatory two years in prison, forfeiture of assets and property, and mandatory restitution. Chapman is awaiting sentencing.
- Ashley Nicole Drummond, 39, of Lugoff, pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft. Drummond faces a mandatory two years in prison, forfeiture of assets and property, and mandatory restitution. Drummond is awaiting sentencing.
- Darryl Dewayne Dumas, 61, of Palatka, Florida, pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft and was sentenced to two years in prison, to be followed by one year of supervision.
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