HOUSTON, Texas — A 34-year-old man from Missouri City has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a substantial wire fraud and identity theft conspiracy, according to U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Emmanuel Babajide Awolaja pleaded guilty to the charges on Nov. 3, 2023.
U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. has sentenced Awolaja to a total of 162 months in prison, with 138 months for the conspiracy and an additional 24 months for aggravated identity theft, to be served consecutively. Following his prison term, Awolaja will be under supervised release for three years and is ordered to pay $263,955.73 in restitution to the victims, which include local merchants.
The court heard evidence that Awolaja was responsible for more than $1.5 million in losses. Judge Werlein noted Awolaja's extensive criminal history, dating back nearly 20 years and including 13 felony offenses. The judge expressed hope that the substantial sentence would deter Awolaja from further criminal activity and protect the public from his recidivism.
Awolaja and his accomplice, Tia Nicole Chavis, 32, of Houston, obtained credit card information for numerous Chase Bank customers and personal identifying information of various individuals. From February 2021 to October 2023, Chavis assisted Awolaja in using the stolen information to purchase expensive items and services, causing significant losses for merchants.
The fraudulent scheme was exposed on May 19, 2021, when the pair attempted to purchase a $14,000 watch at Tomball Pawn and Jewelry. Law enforcement then collaborated with merchants nationwide to identify Chavis and Awolaja from store videos of other transactions.
Chavis also pleaded guilty and is scheduled for sentencing on April 12. Both individuals remain in custody. The Secret Service conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Hileman prosecuted the case.
