Parole Violator Pleads Guilty In Passport Fraud Case

Anchorage Man Pleads Guilty To Passport and Social Security Number Fraud

United States Attorney Nelson P. Cohen announced today, August 13, 2007, that John D. Whitehead, a resident of Anchorage, Alaska, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of passport fraud and five counts of social security number fraud.

Whitehead, age 43, pleaded guilty to the six counts before United States District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline.

In connection with the guilty plea, Assistant United States Attorney Tom Bradley advised the court that in February 2007, the defendant applied for a U.S. passport at an Anchorage post office. He used a false name, David Canterbury, showing fraudulently obtained identification in that name in order to obtain the passport. Whitehead was arrested April 27 by Anchorage Police on an outstanding warrant from North Carolina for parole violation. The passport and other false identification were found in his possession. Further investigation revealed that the defendant had applied for 2003-2007 Alaska permanent fund dividends under the false name, using another person’s social security number.

Judge Beistline scheduled sentencing for October 25, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a sentence of ten years on the passport fraud and five years on each count of social security number fraud for a maximum sentence of 35 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued the incarceration of the defendant.

The U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, State of Alaska, Permanent Fund Dividend Division, Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General and the Anchorage Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Whitehead.

Contact: 
L. Kendal Smith
571-345-2509
SmithLK2@state.gov