Terrence Starks, age 37, from Bunker Hill, Illinois was sentenced to a total of thirty months in prison as a result of convictions for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The sentencing was announced yesterday. In addition, Starks was ordered to serve three years supervised release following his release from prison and pay restitution totaling $19,260.26.
Terrence Starks worked for the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs and in his position he accessed the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs computerized software system for the payment and distribution of benefits. That database contained the names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and bank account information, among other information. Terrence Starks fraudulently changed the routing number and account number of veteran recipient’s benefits to an account controlled by Terrence Starks through his girlfriend, thereby misrepresenting to the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs that the veteran or survivor was still receiving the benefits.
The successful prosecution is the result of an investigation conducted by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General. The prosecution of the case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Norman R. Smith.
SOURCE: U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Illinois