Anthem Man Sentenced for Fraud, Perjury

(Phoenix, Ariz. – April 28, 2006) Peter Mohammed Sharma, 71, of Anthem was sentenced today to 12 years in prison on fraud and perjury charges.

Sharma is serving a 10-year sentence for a previous conviction for ID theft and unlawful possession of access devices. The new sentence will run concurrently.

Sharma is one of three identity theft defendants prosecuted by the Attorney General's Office who, after learning of the charges, attempted to file a legal name change to the identity theft victim's name.

Their actions prompted the Attorney General’s Office to seek legislation prohibiting defendants from changing their names to avoid criminal charges. Gov. Janet Napolitano signed the bill into law on April 17.

Assistant Attorney General Todd Lawson prosecuted this case.