Former Bergen Man Admits Role In $65 Million Identity Theft Scheme

A former Bergen County resident admitted in federal court Thursday that he was responsible for depositing more than $4.7 million as part of a massive identity theft ring, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Roberto Diaz, 47, formerly of Demarest, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to conspiracy, theft, and aggravated identity theft for his role in the $65 million scheme, Fishman stated in a news release.

Conspirators obtained the dates of birth and Social Security numbers from Puerto Rican citizens and filed fraudulent tax returns that showed they were entitled to refunds, Fishman said.

Diaz, of Miami, admitted in court that he and others got $4.7 million in checks and deposited the money into bank accounts they controlled. He also admitted and he and others conspired to bribe a mail carrier to intercept refund checks before they were delivered to the identity theft victims, Fishman said.

Diaz faces up to 15 years in prison for the theft and conspiracy charges and a minimum two-year sentence on the identity theft charge, which must run consecutive to any other prison term imposed, Fishman said in the release, and a $500,000 fine.

Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 27.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

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