South Raleigh News

A Fayetteville man has been sentenced to over seven years in prison for identity theft and fraud. Brandon Scott Grimble, 43, pleaded guilty on August 19, 2024, to charges including aggravated identity theft, bank fraud, and wire fraud.

U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. commented on the case stating, “Fraudsters like Grimble are targeting our elders, hoping to steal pensions and social security, and ruining their credit. We won’t stand by and watch this happen. Grimble and those like him will face hard time for their callous crimes.”

Court documents reveal that Grimble accessed personal information of an elderly victim in poor health from early 2021 through 2022. He impersonated the victim to steal Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) and Social Security benefits, open bank accounts, purchase vehicles, and take out life insurance policies under the victim's name. After the victim's death in June 2022, Grimble continued his fraudulent activities by applying for additional life insurance policies and lines of credit using the deceased's identity.

Inspector General Nicholas J. Novak of the PBGC OIG stated, “PBGC OIG remains steadfast in its commitment to working with Federal prosecutors and law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue those who engage in activities that threaten the financial safety of the aging population.” He praised the investigatory team’s diligence in bringing details of this case to light.

The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr., following sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The United States Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation's Office of Investigation conducted the investigation while Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa K. Labresh is prosecuting.

Further details can be accessed through related court documents available on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or via PACER under Case No. 5:24-CR-00112-FL.