DAYTON, Ohio – A U.S. Secret Service investigation has led to federal charges related to identify fraud, aggravated identity theft, theft of U.S. mail, Social Security fraud, and access device fraud for two Daytonians.
The defendants, Myrtle Lynn “Mi Mi” Jackson, 38, and Joshua Dylan “Jo Jo” Chapman, 29, allegedly conspired to steal checks, credit cards, debit cards, bank account information and Social Security numbers to enrich themselves. They each appeared in federal court this week and U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter B. Silvain, Jr. ordered them both detained pending trial.
On May 28, 2019, the Greater Dayton-area suffered a series of devastating tornadoes that caused wide-spread destruction and disruption. As a result, thousands of personal residences and apartment complexes were seriously damaged or destroyed. This chaotic situation made many residential communities vulnerable to looters and other criminal activity. Over the next two-year period, Myrtle Jackson and Joshua Chapman victimized approximately 50 separate victims. Most of these victims proved to be elderly and otherwise vulnerable individuals. The overall loss is expected to exceed $130,000.
According to the 17-count indictment returned on May 11, 2021, the defendants stole victims’ personal information from occupied and unoccupied residences, vehicles and mailboxes. Jackson and Chapman then allegedly used stolen credit cards, debit cards and checks to illicitly acquire cash, drugs, and other goods and services.
“This case demonstrates the investigative capabilities of the United State Secret Service and should service as a strong deterrent to anyone considering taking part in a similar scam,” said Jack Davis, Resident Special Agent in Charge of the Secret Service Dayton Resident Office. “This investigation highlights our outstanding partnership with the Dayton Police Department and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt criminal groups who target our communities.”
The charging document alleges the co-conspirators used victims’ information to fraudulently apply for personal loans, student loans, unemployment benefits, credit cards, debit cards and checks.
Jackson and Chapman allegedly used the proceeds of their fraud scheme to buy illicit drugs and make purchases at Walmart, Dollar General, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Lees Famous Chicken. It is alleged the fraudulent funds were also used to pay for motel rooms and for gambling activities at a casino in Dayton.
No trial date has been set yet.
Vipal J. Patel, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the charges and commended the investigation of the United States Secret Service and Dayton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dwight K. Keller is representing the United States in this case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.