December 22, 2003 Media Contact: Jenn Meale Phone: (850) 245-0150

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TALLAHASSEE – Attorney General Charlie Crist today announced that the Office of Statewide Prosecution obtained the conviction and sentencing of a 38-year-old Miami man who used an identity theft scheme to defraud victims of approximately $2 million.

William Shaw was convicted of violating probation by committing an organized scheme to defraud and was sentenced to 27 years in state prison on December 19.

"This case demonstrates that people must always be on guard and not give their personal information to anyone," said Crist. "There are many unscrupulous criminals waiting to take advantage of the unwary, including repeat offenders."

Four years ago Shaw was sentenced to prison followed by probation for his role in an organized fraud in which he convinced victims to obtain cash advances using their credit cards, with Shaw falsely promising to make all monthly payments. Following Shaw’s release from prison in 2001, he reopened Club Liquid, a nightclub on Miami’s South Beach. In the process of raising investment capital, he reverted to his previous credit card scam and used the personal information provided by the victims to open credit cards without their consent. Approximately 19 victims were approached with promises of ownership or corporate officer positions in the club.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant Statewide Prosecutor James Cobb.

Individuals who believe they may have been victims of identity theft can obtain information about dealing with this crime through the Attorney General’s web site at: http://myfloridalegal.com/identitytheft.