Rochester Man Owes Thousands to Identity Theft Victims

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Rochester man has been ordered to pay thousands of dollars in restitution to more than a dozen identity theft victims.

Rochester Man Sentenced for Identity Theft Conviction

Twenty-five-year-old Teven Michael Smidt-Thomas was recently sentenced for a felony identity theft conviction in the case and was handed a one-year jail sentence, although he was also given credit for 177 days he had already spent in jail. His sentence also includes a 78-month stayed prison term that could be imposed if he fails to complete his five years of probation.

Court Orders Nearly $18,000 in Restitution

Smidt-Thomas was also ordered to pay nearly $18,000 in restitution. The sentencing order states that he will be allowed to address the restitution through $25 monthly payments.

Stolen Credit and Debit Cards Used for Purchases and Withdrawals

According to the criminal complaint in the case, Smidt-Thomas was arrested last September as a suspect in multiple financial crimes that occurred in Rochester between the end of May and early September last year. The list of alleged crimes mostly involved the theft of credit or debit cards that were used to make purchases or ATM cash withdrawals.

Thefts Targeted Vehicles Across Rochester

The court document indicates that most of the cases involved thefts from motor vehicles that had been broken into in various locations throughout Rochester. Some of the cases also involved the theft of valuables from vehicles.

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The criminal complaint lists a total of 16 victims.

Smidt-Thomas was previously sentenced to 13 months in prison for vehicle theft, financial card theft, and a felony theft conviction.

READ MORE: Rochester Stolen Vehicle Cases Send Young Man to Prison