Florida Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Nationwide ID Theft Scheme
A Florida man has been sentenced to over five years in federal prison for leading an organized conspiracy that targeted hospitals and universities across multiple states.
Ivory Joe Pruitt, 61, of Orlando, was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and ordered to pay $137,392.74 in restitution after stealing victims' identities and financial information from over 30 individuals.
The group, which traveled to medical facilities and university buildings across at least a dozen states between August 2022 and May 2024, stole wallets containing credit cards, debit cards, and personal identifying information.
After acquiring the stolen credentials, they opened fraudulent Sam's Club accounts and attempted to make over $179,000 in unauthorized purchases at major retailers, including Sam's Club, Walmart, Lowe's, Home Depot, and Target.