DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. – A Wayne County man has been sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison for his role in multiple fraud schemes that stole more than $1.2 million, officials said.
Joseph Miller, 53, of Dearborn Heights, was sentenced to 129 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, according to a release from U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.
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Court records show that Miller, who has a long criminal history including 18 prior felony convictions, took part in three separate schemes.
In the first, he used stolen identities to open charge accounts in victims’ names, making about $912,000 in fraudulent purchases from two retailers.
In a second scheme, Miller and co-conspirators used stolen identities to obtain fraudulent loans, defrauding a financial institution of approximately $172,000, according to the release.
Finally, Miller participated in submitting fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications. The EIDL program, run by the Small Business Administration, provides low-interest loans to small businesses affected by disasters.
Miller and his associates obtained $203,970 in fraudulent relief funds through the program.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Field Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Wyse is prosecuting the case, while related forfeiture and restitution matters are being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Fasbinder.