Andrew Chaves, a 25-year-old resident of Washington, DC, has been sentenced to two years in prison for aggravated identity theft. The sentencing was announced by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont and took place on January 28, 2025. Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss presided over the case and also imposed a one-year term of supervised release following Chaves's imprisonment.
Chaves had previously pleaded guilty to charges related to stealing two federal government vehicles between November 2023 and January 2024. One vehicle was taken from a U.S. Forest Service facility in Manchester, Vermont, and another from a U.S. Army facility in Lodi, New Jersey. He drove these vehicles across several states, including Vermont, while using stolen credit cards for unauthorized purchases.
As part of his plea agreement, Chaves will pay over $25,000 in restitution to the United States government and other victims. The mandatory sentence for his conviction is two years’ imprisonment consecutive to any other sentences he may face. Currently, Chaves has additional state charges pending in Vermont, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher praised the investigative efforts made by multiple agencies: "The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General; the U.S. General Services Administration, Office of Inspector General; the United States Forest Service; the Vermont State Police; the U.S. Marshals Service; and the U.S. Federal Protective Service."
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Owyang prosecuted the case against Chaves. His defense was managed by Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara Puls along with defense attorney Sarah Star.