Man pleads guilty to identity theft

A Carpentersville man was sentenced to two years' probation after pleading guilty Monday to identify theft.

Felipe Osornio, 29, of 812 Monroe Ave., faced up to 30 years in prison for using a stolen Social Security number of a California teen to take out a $173,000 mortgage on his home, a car loan, open several credit card accounts and sign a wireless phone contract.

Osornio was up for a jury trial in Kane County but agreed to less serious identity theft charges instead.

If he violates probation, prosecutors could push for a five-year prison term. Osornio also must notify all of the victim's creditors that he borrowed money using her information.

Osornio was arrested and charged in February. Because he is an illegal immigrant, he could be deported because of the felony conviction.

It was unclear whether authorities planned to pursue that course of action.

Authorities began investigating earlier this year after the victim, then 19, went to get a wireless phone and a sales clerk asked why she wanted a second one.

Police learned the victim's information had been used since she was 14. Carpentersville police said they tracked the lead to Osornio, who used his own name when he set up the accounts and paid his bills.

Assistant State's Attorney Brian Mirandola said Osornio does not have to pay restitution because the victim did not suffer any out-of-pocket expenses.

"(The defendant) did it basically to live, to work, to get a house and car loan," said Mirandola, who added: "I think it's a fair disposition (of the case)."