Man sentenced to prison for ID theft

CENTREVILLE, Mich. (WOOD) - A 29-year-old man has been sentenced to 4 years in prison for aggravated identity theft and passport fraud.

In 2009, Nathan Kent Lumbard of Howe, Indiana, was charged in state courts in Michigan and Indiana with a variety of crimes, including aggravated battery, obstruction of justice, breaking and entering, and larceny.

After posting bond and being released on those charges, Lumbard assumed another person's identity, fraudulently obtained a passport in Ingham County in that identity, and fled to Burma (Myanmar) to avoid prosecution.

To cover his tracks before leaving the United States, Lumbard faked his suicide by leaving a suitcase with his belongings and a suicide note on a bridge overlooking the Mississippi River. He also left a message with authorities implying that they would find his body in the river.

Suspecting that Lumbard was alive and living overseas under his assumed identity, agents from the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) in Detroit began investigating the case. They worked closely with local authorities and DSS agents in Bangkok, Thailand, and Rangoon (Yangon), Burma and arrested Lumbard in Rangoon. Agents returned him to the United States in May 2011 to face federal passport fraud and aggravated identity theft charges, which he pled guilty to in October 2011.

U.S. District Judge Robert Holmes Bell also ordered Lumbard to serve 3 years' supervised release and pay a $30,000 fine.

Judge Bell described Lumbard's behavior as "egregious, audacious and unacceptable"and said he demonstrated "a blatant lack of respect for the criminal justice system."

Acting Special Agent in Charge Scott Collins of the DSS Chicago Field Office said, "It's this type of close, worldwide law enforcement liaison capability that gives Diplomatic Security unparalleled ability to locate, pursue, and apprehend fugitives like Lumbard. His return highlights the critical role DSS plays in bringing suspects and fugitives to justice, regardless of where they may hide. Lumbard's apprehension was a direct result of law enforcement coordination and field efforts by Diplomatic Security and law enforcement authorities in Burma and Thailand."