Jonathan Whalley, a 52-year-old resident of St. Albans, Vermont, has been sentenced to 74 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. The sentencing was handed down on September 2, 2025, by United States District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Whalley pleaded guilty to both charges after using the stolen identity of another Vermonter to purchase six vehicles with a combined value exceeding $224,000. According to court records, Whalley obtained identity documents from a man whose wallet had been stolen from his vehicle. He then traveled to Georgia where he bought a 2022 Ford Explorer, a 2022 Ford Bronco, a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado, a 2020 Kawasaki ATV, a 2021 CF Moto ATV, and a 2022 Honda dirt bike through fraudulent means. Additionally, Whalley committed fraud involving multiple banks and insurance companies.
On June 8, 2022, while back in Vermont with the Silverado acquired through these schemes, law enforcement attempted to stop Whalley’s vehicle. He fled the scene during the traffic stop, dragging an officer more than ten feet and posing risks to pedestrians as he drove away at speeds over three times the legal limit. During sentencing proceedings, Judge Geraci highlighted Whalley’s criminal history which includes 34 convictions dating back to 1991.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher stated: “I commend the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles’ Enforcement and Safety Division (Investigative Section) and Homeland Security Investigations.”
The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Corinne M. Smith and Jonathan A. Ophardt. Defense counsel was provided by Assistant Federal Defender Charles N. Curlett, Jr.
