600 People’s Identities were Stolen - Wendy Rigdon Pleads Guilty!

Wendy - what were you thinking?

Wendy Rigdon, age 37, plead guilty to using stolen credit cards and convenience checks issued to other individuals in order to purchase over $11,000 in goods and services. Rigdon admitted to using fake identifications as well as stolen credit cards to cash both counterfeit and/or legitimate checks sent via the Postal Service to other individuals.
Authorities estimate that through her scheme, Rigdon stole mail from more than an estimated 600 individuals.

Rigdon faces a mandatory two years in federal prison on the aggravated identity theft charge consecutive to the sentence imposed (up to 15 years in federal prison) on the access device fraud charge. She is also subject to a maximum $500,000 fine as well as restitution in the amount of $11,393.32. Rigdon remains in federal custody. Sentencing is scheduled on June 27, 2008.

Every choice has a consequence. As a white collar crime and business ethics speaker, I speak from first hand experience about the truth about consequences. Reality is - no one escapes the consequences of their choices. While Rigdon may have looked good for a time and avoided the consequences - she did not avoid the consequences all together. Prison is no fun and Ridgon is likely facing time in prison for this conviction. Serving time will prove to be a dramatic change from her prior activities. No credit cards are needed in prison. You do reap what you sow.

If anyone reading has any background on Rigdon or was a victim of her criminal activities - feel free to comment.

White Collar Crime Speaker - Chuck Gallagher - signing off…