A Multi-Convicted Felon Sentenced to Over 10 Years in Federal Prison on Fraud Charges

DETROIT - A Dearborn Heights man was sentenced today for his role in several fraud schemes totaling $1.2 million, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.

Joining in the announcement was Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Field Division.

Joseph Miller, 53, of Dearborn Heights, was sentenced to 129 months in federal prison after having pleaded guilty to two counts of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, and Aggravated Identity Theft.

According to court records, Miller, who has an extensive criminal history including 18 prior felony convictions, participated in three separate fraud schemes. In the first scheme, Miller used stolen identities to open charge accounts in the names of unsuspecting victims. Miller and others used those charge accounts to make $912,000 in fraudulent purchases from two separate retailers. Second, Miller also used stolen identities to obtain fraudulent loans from a financial institution. In total, he, working with others, defrauded the financial institution with approximately $172,000 in loans. Finally, Miller and his co-conspirators caused fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications to be submitted for several businesses. EIDL is a program run by the Small Business Administration to provide low-interest financing to small businesses affected by declared disasters. In total Miller and his co-conspirators obtained $203,970 in fraudulent relief funds from this program.

Miller was sentenced by United States District Judge Mark A. Goldsmith

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Wyse. Related forfeiture and restitution matters are being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Fasbinder.