USTP Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C.--David R. Striker III of New Philadelphia, Ohio, was sentenced recently to four months in prison, four months home confinement, and three years supervised release for false use of a Social Security number, United States Trustee Donald M. Robiner announced today. Striker was also ordered to pay restitution to his creditors. The full restitution amount has not yet been determined, but it is expected to total approximately $17,000.

Striker was sentenced last month by District Judge Peter C. Economus of the Northern District of Ohio for violating 42 USC 408(a)(7)(B), which prohibits the false use of a Social Security number with intent to deceive. The maximum penalty under this statute is five years imprisonment or a $250,000 fine, or both.

Striker admitted that he used his minor son's Social Security number to obtain credit and loans. This conduct came to light when Striker filed a Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition, listing his son's Social Security number on the bankruptcy papers. Further investigation revealed that Striker had provided his creditors with the incorrect Social Security number when he applied for credit and loans.

United States Trustee Robiner referred the case to the United States Attorney's Office for prosecution. The United States Trustee Program is a component of the Justice Department that supervises the administration of bankruptcy cases nationwide. Robiner serves as United States Trustee for Ohio and Michigan.

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Dean P. Wyman, an attorney with the United States Trustee Program. Wyman has been designated a Special Assistant United States Attorney so he may represent the government in the prosecution of selected bankruptcy fraud cases.

The investigation and prosecution of this case was coordinated by the Bankruptcy Fraud Task Force for the Northern District of Ohio, which includes representatives of the United States Attorney's Office, the United States Trustee's Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, and other law enforcement agencies.

Contact: Donald Robiner
United States Trustee, Region 9
(216) 522-7800