Portland Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Local Fraud Ring

PORTLAND, Ore.-An Oregon City, Oregon woman was sentenced to federal prison today for her role in a fraud conspiracy that used the stolen identities of multiple victims in the Portland area to steal more than $158,000.

Mary Phoenix Nguyen, 41, was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison and three years' supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $158,286.85 in restitution to her victims.

According to court documents, in April 2022, special agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) began investigating Nguyen and others in the Portland and Vancouver, Washington areas for their roles in a coordinated fraud ring targeting individuals in the Portland Metropolitan Area, Texas, Florida, and elsewhere. Nguyen and her associates used stolen identities and personal information to obtain credit cards, unlawfully access victims' bank accounts, apply for multiple vehicle loans, rent at least six apartments and other residences, and fraudulently produce various personal and financial documents including social security cards, driver's licenses, vehicle titles, and vehicle bills of sale.

On October 18, 2022, Nguyen was arrested at her Oregon City residence. During a search of the residence, investigators found hundreds of stolen, altered, or counterfeit documents and identifications, equipment used to produce counterfeit items, and master U.S. Postal Service keys.

On April 18, 2023, Nguyen was charged by superseding indictment with conspiring to commit bank fraud; bank fraud; social security fraud; aggravated identity theft; and possessing fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, stolen or reproduced keys or locks, and stolen mail.

On May 15, 2024, Nguyen pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possessing stolen or reproduced keys.

This case was investigated by HSI and the Portland Police Bureau with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Sowray.