From Deseret News archives:
Authorities: State employee used confidential information in identity fraud case
During a joint press conference Thursday, federal and state officials said this was the largest security breach at the Department of Workforce Services and were working to re-instate the public's trust.
"It is a particularly gross crime," said U.S. Attorney for Utah Brett Tolman.
Authorities unsealed indictments against four individuals, including one state employee.
Charged were Joshua Smith, 32, of Murray; Michelle Chapman, 29, of Murray; John Johnstun, 44, or Midvale and Laura Bustamante, 34, of Midvale.
Authorities said Bustamante had worked on and off with the DWS as early as 2000 and recently had worked as an eligibility specialist, taking applications from Utah residents applying for food stamps, financial aid, child care programs including CHIP and Medicaid.
Deputy DWS Director Christopher Love said Bustamante had access to a database containing personal information from as many as 1,775 individuals, including addresses, Social Security numbers and images of bank statements.
According to the Secret Service, the ID theft began in September of last year. A report of a stolen car last January, in addition to a tip called in to DWS, sparked the investigation. A search at a downtown hotel room where Chapman and Smith were staying yielded a fake state ID card and several credit cards in the name of DWS customers.
Love said Bustamante was immediately placed on administrative leave upon receipt of the tip and she was later terminated.
DWS officials said they were doing everything they could to help victims sort out their credit. Love said the department has sent letters to all DWS customers who were at risk and have contacted known victims by phone. The department has also set up a security support line to help them take steps to minimize the impact of the ID theft. The Utah Attorney General's Office has also established a Web site where customers can obtain free credit reports and learn how to identify potential fraudulent charges.
Comments
- Favre to Rice helps Vikings win 4:19 p.m.
- Photos: A Royal welcome 3:58 p.m.
- Bengals beat Steelers 3:06 p.m.
- Johnson, Titans beats Bills 41-17 3:05 p.m.
- Bush helps Saints stay unbeaten 3:04 p.m.
- Redskins end skid with 27-17 win 2:58 p.m.
- Keys may help identify body 2:57 p.m.
- Scobee's FG lifts Jags over Jets 2:56 p.m.
- Panthers harass Ryan, beat Falcons 2:50 p.m.
- Henne helps Dolphins rally by Bucs 2:45 p.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
361 - BYU happy to escape with victory
224 - TCU creams U.
216 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
201 - Will state consider gay rights law?
148 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
133 - Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
130 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - RSL heads to MLS title game
117 - Celtics crush Jazz
104
Sears is holding a special VIP night Sunday, Nov. 15, in stores and online.
How do you handle kids and contests? Our oldest daughter, 7, is of the...
The Utah BYU game is a toss up. Neither of these teams realy look that good....
"You are an idiot!!!" Wow, impressive point. Good sound use of logic. Way...
Yes we just barely beat New Mexico by 5, and yet we are ranked higher than...
Re: re:KC I think you are confused, ESPN has absolutely no ownership in...
Well TCU should thank Utah. Because of Utah busting the BCS twice, and...
Why do some members like to cry the woe is me story to everyone? Geez! Life...
Give it up. the SINS of SODOM and GOMORTAH were many and not limited,...
Rebel defense is astonishing!
As to the wish by someone who wants BYU to play USC in the vegas bowl, be...
Ezekial didn't say anything about rape either. By your logic, he must have...


You can be the first to comment on this story.