Washington man pleads guilty in identity theft case

GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) A 28-year-old man accused of using fraudulent credit cards to make purchases at numerous businesses pleaded guilty this week in federal court in Great Falls.

Steven Scott of Longview, Washington, is charged with credit card fraud and aggravated identity theft. His wife, Anna Scott, previously pleaded guilty to federal charges and is awaiting sentencing.

According the U.S. attorney's office, the couple defrauded businesses in Longview for more than two years.

Investigators say they stole the identity of two customers at a car dealership where Steven Scott was employed. Scott then used the information to open credit card accounts at various stores.

In July, Anna Scott bought a vehicle from Lithia Dodge in Great Falls using the credit history of one of the victims.

Authorities say that in all, the couple fraudulently spent nearly $80,000.

Sentencing for Steven Scott is set for April 17th.

Information from: Great Falls Tribune, http://www.greatfallstribune.com (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 01-25-08 1635CST | save this article / add to your favorites list