On Thursday, authorities revealed that the defendant in an identity theft case from the Valley had been sentenced to 8.5 years in prison.
Shannon Lee Smith, 48, used a stolen identity to acquire nearly $300,000 in medical treatments from metro Phoenix hospitals and ambulance companies, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
Smith pleaded guilty last month to four counts of aggravated identity theft and one count of taking another’s identity. She faced 27 charges before accepting the plea deal, which included restitution payments.
How was identity theft discovered?
The victim learned what was going on when her insurance company delivered her the bills. Prosecutors said the company continues to pursue the victim regarding the deductible for the unlawfully obtained services.
Smith was arrested in July 2024 after the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office requested public assistance with the identity theft investigation.
“The impact of identity theft goes far beyond the financial implications. It takes away a victim’s peace of mind and leaves them to deal with the fallout of having false information tied to their name,” County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said in a press release.
“I’m proud of the work our prosecution team has done to hold the defendant accountable and allow the victim to start reclaiming her life.”
