Woman sentenced to 8.5 years in Valley identity theft case

PHOENIX – The defendant in a Valley identity theft case was sentenced to 8.5 years in prison on Thursday, authorities announced.

Shannon Lee Smith, 48, used a stolen identity to fraudulently obtain nearly $300,000 in medical services from metro Phoenix hospitals and ambulance providers, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

Smith pleaded guilty last month to four counts of aggravated taking identity of another and one count of taking the identity of another. She faced 27 charges before agreeing to the plea deal, which includes restitution payments.

How was identity theft discovered?

The victim found out what was happening when her insurance company sent her the bills. The company continues to contact the victim about the deductible for the fraudulently obtained services, according to prosecutors.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office arrested Smith in July 2024 after asking the public for help with the identity theft case.

“The impact of identity theft goes far beyond the financial implications. It takes away a victim’s peace of mind and leaves them to deal with the fallout of having false information tied to their name,” County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said in a press release.

“I’m proud of the work our prosecution team has done to hold the defendant accountable and allow the victim to start reclaiming her life.”

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