Attorney General's News Release

April 21, 2008

Springfield woman sentenced to four years for identity theft after joint investigation by Nixon, Moore and Springfield police

Springfield, Mo. - A Springfield woman on Friday (April 18) was sentenced to four years in prison for stealing the identity of an acquaintance to make $3,000 worth of withdrawals from the victim's bank account, including ATM withdrawals and charges to online poker sites. Circuit Judge Thomas E. Mountjoy sentenced Norma Black (DOB - 8/27/72) on one count of felony identity theft in Greene County Circuit Court.

Black was indicted by a Greene County grand jury in September 2006 after identity theft charges were filed by Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Darrell Moore against her and co-defendant Jason Waln after an investigation by Moore's office, the office of Attorney General Jay Nixon, and the Springfield Police Department. Nixon's office was appointed to assist in the case. Waln was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in the case on March 31.

"We are always ready to work with local prosecutors to share our expertise in identity theft cases, and it is satisfying to have another one of those cases seen through to its conclusion," Nixon said. "It is also a good time to reinforce to Missouri consumers how important it is to safeguard their sensitive personal information, whether it is online or in their purses or wallets."

The victim reported to Nixon's office that someone had accessed her bank account to make ATM withdrawals, purchase items at a Springfield discount store and for use on several online gambling sites. The victim discovered her debit card missing from her purse after she spent the night at the home of the defendant. The multi-faceted investigation linked the defendants to the use of the debit card.

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Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

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