Portland, Ore. — Alfonso Lopez-Ramirez, currently in federal custody in Portland, pled guilty to one count of bank fraud in connection with his participation in a large multi-state fraud and identity theft conspiracy. During the plea hearing today before U.S. District Judge James A. Redden, Lopez-Ramirez admitted that between 2002 and 2007, he and several co-conspirators burglarized commercial properties in numerous western states and stole property including identification and identity information (ID) and credit cards. The members of the conspiracy would transport the property and ID in interstate commerce and sell or dispose of it. They also used computers and other equipment to make false ID documents and false and counterfeit checks or other monetary instruments.
The conspirators then used the false ID, credit cards, checks and other documents to defraud merchants and banks and obtain cash and merchandise. They used the ID of people who were victims of the burglaries and thefts without permission or authority. The plea agreement indicates losses exceed $200,000.
Bank fraud carries a maximum penalty of thirty years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000 and five years supervised release. Lopez-Ramirez previously pled guilty and was sentenced to eight years on burglary and related charges in Denver, Colorado. It is anticipated that Lopez-Ramirez will receive an eight year sentence on the federal conviction and that the sentences will be served concurrently. Lopez-Ramirez will be sentenced on the federal charges on August 19, 2008.
This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, the Secret Service, and the Clackamas County Sheriff, assisted by other law enforcement agencies. The investigation is continuing. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Lance Caldwell.
