A hospital worker believed to have stolen the identifying information of patients where he worked was arrested recently after trying to buy Clippers tickets. The suspect, J. Shannon, was arrested on suspicion of identity theft after trying to buy the season tickets using the stolen bank information of a patient.
Investigators have said that the suspect worked at several medical facilities and that he did have access to patients’ personal info. It’s currently unknown whether or not Shannon had the license, credentials, or certification to be in the line of work that he was. Investigators suspect there may be additional victims, and urge anyone who thinks they may be to call Det. Brian Calicchia of the LAPD’s Commercial License Division at (213) 486-5920.
California Penal Code 530.5 PC defines identity theft as taking another person’s personal identifying information and using it in an unlawful or fraudulent manner. Under the law, it’s illegal to use someone else’s personal identifying information to obtain credit, goods, services, or medical information in the name of another person.
Examples include:
- Obtaining an undeserved financial benefit (using someone else’s credit card info to buy something, signing someone else’s name to a check, and using someone else’s bank information to buy something)
- Causing someone to experience a loss (whether financial, emotional, or some other type of damage
- Escaping criminal liability by using someone else’s name, birth date, or other identifying information
Identity theft is a “wobbler” in California Law, meaning that it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances of the case and the defendant’s prior criminal history. Misdemeanor convictions carry the possible penalties of up to one year in county jail and/or a maximum fine of $1,000. For felony convictions, the potential penalties include 16months o 3 years in county jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
