TOPEKA, Kan. — Two Topeka residents have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a multistate fraud conspiracy that used stolen personal information and counterfeit driver’s licenses to withdraw money from casino customers’ accounts.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced Wednesday, October 14, that Jeremy Cushing, 53, of Topeka, was sentenced to 95 months in federal prison, while Rachael Matoian, 36, also of Topeka, received a 38-month sentence.
The two were among five defendants who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a scheme involving more than $800,000 in fraudulent transactions.
Fake driver’s licenses used to access customer accounts
According to federal court documents described by prosecutors, the conspiracy operated from approximately July 2021 through March 2024.
Investigators determined that the defendants targeted customers of a company providing cash-access services to casinos and online sports-betting operators.
After obtaining customers’ personal identifying information, members of the conspiracy created counterfeit driver’s licenses using the stolen identities.
The fraudulent identification documents were then used to withdraw money from customer accounts at casinos across the United States.
Federal prosecutors say the defendants repeated the scheme numerous times over nearly three years.
Five defendants sentenced
In addition to the two Topeka residents, three other defendants received federal prison sentences:
- Cassandra Williams, 39, of Spring Valley, California: 12 months.
- Abraham Ruiz, 44, of Joplin, Missouri: 34 months.
- Leroy Noll, 46, of Newton, Kansas: 12 months.
All five defendants pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Cushing received the longest sentence of the group at seven years and 11 months. Matoian’s sentence amounts to three years and two months.
Federal investigators warn about identity theft
U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser said the case illustrates how stolen personal information can be exploited for financial gain, encouraging consumers to protect their identifying information and report suspicious account activity.
The investigation involved the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribal Police Department and Jackson County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Debenham prosecuted the case.
The Department of Justice did not specify in its announcement how much money each individual defendant personally obtained or whether restitution was ordered.
The case highlights the risks of identity theft and the ability of organized fraud schemes to operate across state lines using falsified identification documents.
Unlike an arrest or pending criminal case, all five defendants have pleaded guilty and have now been sentenced in federal court.
This Is Topeka will continue reporting on significant federal prosecutions involving Topeka residents and crimes affecting communities across northeast Kansas.
