Maine man used boy’s Social Security number to commit more than $225K in fraud

Prosecutors announced Monday that a Maine man has pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining more than $225,000 in funds and property by using a boy’s Social Security number to obtain accounts and incur debt. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire said in a press release that 38-year-old David Keene had entered into a guilty plea to a wire fraud charge and is scheduled to be sentenced in October. 

Keene had allegedly used the Social Security number of a minor he had known, who is referred to in court documents and statements only as John Doe. 

The attorney’s office said that Doe’s legal guardian had reported Keene to the Rochester Police Department, with credit reports showing that between December 2016 and August 2019, several accounts were opened in which Keene allegedly used Doe’s Social Security number to “acquire, among other things, utility services and several credit cards.” 

Prosecutors also argued that records showed Keene had used Doe’s Social Security number to obtain loans to purchase a snowmobile, motorcycle and several cars, including more than $56,000 to purchase a BMW SUV. 

When Keene allegedly began using the Social Security number, Doe was only 7 years old, according to the attorney’s office. 

In total, prosecutors said Keene fraudulently obtained at least $227,828 in money and property. 

Acting U.S. Attorney John Farley said in a statement, “Those who misuse Social Security numbers to commit fraud are committing a serious federal crime.” 

“We work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the Social Security system and to identify and prosecute those who use other people’s identities to commit fraud,” he added. 

Jermaine Jack, acting special agent in charge of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General’s Boston office, said that Keene’s guilty plea “demonstrates our commitment to hold accountable those who intentionally misuse the Social Security numbers of others for their own personal gain.” 

According to The Associated Press, Keene’s lawyers have agreed to a three-year probation sentence with 18 months under home confinement as part of the plea deal. 

The agreement noted that while Keene has started paying back the money, he still owes roughly $102,000, the AP reported.