NewsPalm Beach CountyRegion C Palm Beach CountyWest Palm Beach

Actions

PBSO deputy Frantz Felisma pleads guilty to ID theft, for second time

Posted at 2:45 PM, Jun 29, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-30 08:18:55-04

A Palm Beach County deputy has pleaded guilty to identity theft, for the second time.

U.S. prosecutors say FrantzFelismaused his department-issued laptop to steal personal information from at least 15 people, then sold it.

 

In court Thursday, he admitted to the crime, after backing out on a plea deal before. 

In March, Felisma accepted a plea deal from the government. Two months later, he took it back and said he wanted a trial. 

That trial was supposed to begin in two weeks. 

But Felisma took a plea once again.

Felisma pleaded guilty to aggravated ID theft and access to device fraud. He faces up to 12 years in prison. 

Prosecutors say after Felisma looked up drivers' personal information, he sold it to an accomplice who then opened bank accounts and credit cards. 

Felisma will have to pay between $150,000 and $250,000 in restitution.

He is currently on leave without pay.