St. Martinville Man Admits To Stealing Brother’s Identity

41-year-old Nasar Latif Raja of St. Martinville has plead guilty to stealing his brother's identity in order to launder over $200,000.00.

In January 2012, court records say Raja was questioned by police during an investigation of synthetic marijuana sales at his brother's St. Martinville convenience store. U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley says Raja used his brother's name and told authorities he was in charge of the store.

When police later searched the store on March 20, 2012, investigators say they found that Raja had a checking account and safety deposit box containing $219,000 listed under his brother's name. Finley says Raja admitted to opening a checking account using his brother's Social Security number and driver's license so that he could hide the fact that he possessed the money. Finley says Raja's brother told authorities he never authorized Raja to use his identification.

At sentencing, Raja faces 15 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine with three years of probation.