Shopping Spree In Yonkers Leads To Identity Theft, Fraud Conviction

YONKERS, N.Y. -- A 26-year-old Newburgh man was convicted of stealing cash and going on a shopping spree in September and October 2012 in Peekskill, Yorktown, Yonkers and White Plains.

Justin Sutton, a 26-year-old Newburgh man, was convicted recently of stealing cash and going on a shopping spree in September and October 2012.
Photo Credit: *Courtesy Westchester County District Attorney's Office*

by Nathan Bruttell

04/17/2014 10:30 a.m.

Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore announced that Justin Sutton was convicted four counts in the indictment charging him with two counts of Identity theft in the first degree, class D felonies; one count of grand larceny in the third degree, class D felony; and one count of scheme to defraud in the first degree, a class E felony.

Sutton "stole cash and went on a shopping spree with his victim’s money" from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1 2012, according to a press release. Sutton "engaged in a scheme in which he repeatedly used the personal identifying information of two his victims, including their business debit ATM cards, to make unauthorized ATM withdrawals and unauthorized purchase withdrawals," according to the release.

"The defendant’s unlawful use and attempted use of stolen personal information occurred at various banks and businesses throughout Westchester County, including J.P. Morgan Chase Bank branches in the City of Peekskill and the Town of Yorktown; a Mahopac National Bank branch in the City of Yonkers; a 'True Religion Brand Jeans' store in the City of White Plains; a Neiman Marcus store in the City of White Plains; 'The Loop' store in the City of Yonkers; and a Wal-Mart store in the City of White Plains."

Sutton stole about $9,000, according to the release.

"His scheme first came to light when alert store employees at the Neiman Marcus store in White Plains realized the defendant was attempting to use stolen business debit cards to purchase two pairs of Prada shoes worth over $800," according to the release

Further investigation by the Westchester County Police Department, the Bedford Police Department, and the Westchester County District Attorney's Office ultimately uncovered the full extent of Sutton's scheme.

Following his arrest, Sutton refused to be represented by an attorney and instead chose to represent himself and present his own defense at trial.

Sentencing is set for June 4. Sutton faces a maximum sentence of 14 years in state prison.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Yonkers and receive free news updates.