PRESS RELEASE


Borrower Admits Deception

Fabricated Employment, Used Other Person’s Social

Sioux Falls, S.D. - (December 17, 2008)United States Attorney Marty J. Jackley announced that Benjamin Ashley Markham, age 31, of Sioux Falls, appeared before US Magistrate Judge John E. Simko on December 16, 2008, and pled guilty to two counts of an indictment that charged him with bank fraud and fraudulent use of a social security number.

The maximum penalty upon conviction of the bank fraud offense is thirty years in prison and/or a $1 million fine. The social security offense carries a penalty upon conviction of five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine. Markham filled out an application for a mortgage loan with First Premier Bank in Sioux Falls in June 2008. In doing so, he used a social security number belonging to another person and also provided the bank with false information regarding his employment.

The investigation was conducted by the Sioux Falls Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Koliner. A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date will be set. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.

SOURCE: United States Attorney's Office
District of South Dakota