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Chad Butherus and Jamie Gregory

BOISE -- Federal prosecutors say two Nampa residents have admitted stealing dozens of identities and using them to make thousands of dollars in fraudulent purchases at area businesses.

Chad Butherus, 27, of Nampa, entered a guilty plea in federal court Thursday to identity theft, by possession with intent to unlawfully use false identification documents, and

aggravated identity theft.

His co-defendant, Jamie Ann Gregory, 26, also of Nampa, entered a guilty plea to identity theft and forfeiture on July 14, 2008.

The plea agreement shows that Butherus and Gregory stole over 200 cellular applications from Wireless FX in Ontario, Oregon, which contained the names, dates of birth, and social security numbers of Wireless FX customers.

Butherus and Gregory then used the customer information from the applications to create over 50 fraudulent ID cards, designed to resemble ID cards issued in North Dakota and Delaware.

The pair used the fraudulent ID cards at numerous stores throughout the Treasure Valley to purchase goods using the victims’ credit. They also obtained credit cards in victims’ names for the purchase of additional goods.

The fraudulent transactions and losses total approximately $28,000. Prosecutors say Gregory and Butherus were motivated, in part, by a desire to obtain money for drugs.

“This identity theft was an irresponsible and reprehensible victimization of many innocent people. We intend to prosecute these types of crimes vigorously,” U.S. Attorney Tom Moss said.

The sentencing for Butherus is set for October 14, 2008, and for Gregory on October 1, 2008, in Boise.