Superseding Indictment Unsealed Against Maryland Residents Alleged to Have Engaged in Passport Fraud and Identity Theft

Strategic Insights -

A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment against Brendyn Andrew, 33, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Dominique Collins, 37, of Stafford, Virginia, charging them with various crimes related to passport fraud and identity theft. The superseding indictment adds additional charges against Andrew, including possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices, and alleges that Collins tampered with a witness, victim, or informant. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, Kelly O. Hayes, announced the indictment, commending the USDA-OIG and DSS for their work in the investigation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Brendyn Andrew, 33, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Dominique Collins, 37, of Stafford, Virginia, have been charged with various crimes related to passport fraud and identity theft.
  • The superseding indictment adds additional charges against Andrew, including possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices.
  • Collins is named as a co-defendant for tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant.
  • The charges against Andrew include aggravated identity theft, supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits fraud, and misuse of a social security number.
  • If convicted, Andrew faces a mandatory minimum sentence of two years for aggravated identity theft, up to five years for supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits fraud, and up to 20 years for tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant.
  • Collins faces up to 20 years for tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant.
  • A federal district court judge will determine the sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Statistics:

  • 15 or more electronic benefit transfer cards were allegedly possessed by Brendyn Andrew in October 2022.
  • 15 or more unauthorized access devices were allegedly possessed by Brendyn Andrew.
  • Up to 20 years in prison for tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant.
  • Up to 10 years in prison for theft of government property.
  • Up to 15 years in prison for passport fraud.

Sources:

*

*

  • Office of United States Attorneys
  • United States Department of Agriculture -- Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG) Northeast Region