Spencerport Man Sentenced to Five Years for Wire Fraud and Identity Theft

A Spencerport man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in an extensive fraud and identity theft scheme.

A Spencerport man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in an extensive fraud and identity theft scheme.

Michael Grimm, 45, was convicted of wire fraud and sentenced to 60 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Charles J. Siragusa, according to an announcement from Acting U.S. Attorney Joel Louis Violanti. Grimm was also ordered to pay approximately $16,000 in restitution.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who prosecuted the case, Grimm and his co-defendant, Nickola Marie Ferra, engaged in a scheme involving document fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, retail theft, and identity theft. Investigators found that Grimm and others obtained merchandise from local retailers through fraudulent means and returned it for gift cards or store credit, which they later sold.

Authorities say Grimm also used stolen and forged passports and other identification documents to make fraudulent purchases, including car and hotel rentals. Additionally, investigators determined that he participated in the theft of personal information, which was used to open credit cards and apply for loans. At least 10 identity theft victims have been identified so far, with losses amounting to thousands of dollars.

Ferra was previously convicted and sentenced to 27 months in prison for her involvement in the scheme.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service and Homeland Security Investigations.