A Twin Cities man has been sentenced to 34 months in federal prison for using stolen credit card and identity information for personal use and monetary enrichment.
Ezekiel Octavius Brown, 26, was sentenced last week, according to a statement from the FBI.
According to court documents, in June 2024, Brown created an account on the dark web to purchase the stolen credit card information of at least 85 victims. Brown and his co-defendant, Regenae Calhoun, used the information to book hotel rooms and rental cars for individuals at discounted rates on electronic payment platforms, such as Cash App. Brown and Calhoun also used the stolen credit card information for their own personal use to buy airline tickets and meals.
Brown pled guilty in October to one count of access device fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Brown has a lengthy state court record, including several convictions for theft, as well as numerous driving violations.
Brown was also convicted in November 2023 on a gross misdemeanor count of carrying a firearm without a permit. Brown’s 360-day jail sentence was stayed. He was instead credited for 25 days of time already served in jail and was placed on probation for two years, six months prior to becoming involved in the illegal credit card and identity theft scheme.
Federal offenders must serve a minimum of 85% of their sentence incarcerated before becoming eligible for parole. Following his prison release, Brown will serve 3 years of supervised release, and will be required to pay restitution to some of the victims.
This case was the result of an FBI investigation with assistance from the MSP Airport Police.
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Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
Crime Watch MN
Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
