St. Albans Man Sentenced to 74 Months in Prison for Aggravated Identity Theft and Mail Fraud

Rutland, Vermont - The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Vermont stated that on September 2, 2025, Jonathan Whalley, 52, of St. Albans, Vermont was sentenced by United States District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to a total term of 74 months' imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Whalley previously pleaded guilty to both Mail Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft in relation to his purchase of six vehicles using the stolen identity of a Vermonter. Judge Geraci imposed a 50-month term of imprisonment on the Mail Fraud conviction, and the 24-month mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment for Aggravated Identity Theft, resulting in the total 74-month sentence.

According to court records, Whalley obtained the identity documents from a Vermont man whose wallet was stolen from the victim's vehicle. Whalley traveled to the State of Georgia, where he engaged in numerous fraudulent transactions, including the purchase of a 2022 Ford Explorer, a 2022 Ford Bronco, a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado, a 2020 Kawasaki ATV, a 2021 CF Moto ATV, and a 2022 Honda dirt bike, together valued at over $224,000. Whalley also engaged in fraudulent conduct with multiple banks and insurance companies. On June 8, 2022, Whalley was back in Vermont with the Silverado he had fraudulently purchased, when law enforcement conducted a motor vehicle stop. Whalley fled the stop, dragging an officer over 10 feet, and endangering pedestrians as he sped away at speeds over three-times the speed limit. In sentencing Whalley, Judge Geraci noted Whalley's extensive criminal history, which includes 34 criminal convictions dating back to 1991.

Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles' Enforcement and Safety Division (Investigative Section) and Homeland Security Investigations.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Corinne M. Smith and Jonathan A. Ophardt. Whalley was represented by Assistant Federal Defender Charles N. Curlett, Jr.