Former US Prosecutor Accused of Stealing Identities to Create Gambling Accounts

^{Pictured: Monica Dillon, former federal prosecutor from West Virginia, United States}

Monica Dillon, a former federal fraud prosecutor in West Virginia, has been accused of using stolen personal data to open online gambling accounts, Casino.org reported, citing federal court documents.

According to an agreed statement of facts attached to her plea agreement, Dillon used other people’s names, Social Security numbers and dates of birth to open and operate online gambling accounts and carry out financial transactions in their names.

The allegations cover the period from January 2021 to January 2023. Court documents identify five victims, with Dillon facing one count of identity theft for each alleged victim. The filing states that accounts opened using several victims’ personal data generated more than $1,000 in winnings during a one-year period.

The case has drawn attention because of Dillon’s professional background. She spent nearly two decades in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia and handled or supervised fraud-related prosecutions. According to her online profile cited by Casino.org, she led a team from 2021 to 2024 that investigated white-collar fraud, health care fraud, environmental, tax and civil rights cases.

Court documents do not state a motive.

Casino.org noted that gamblers may use stolen personal data if they have been banned or restricted by gambling platforms.

Another possible explanation is that she was trying to create new accounts to claim welcome bonuses, which are usually available only to new users.

Dillon has agreed to plead guilty to all five identity-theft counts. Under the plea agreement, however, the charges may be dismissed if she completes 24 months of supervision and satisfies the agreement’s conditions.

The agreement also requires restitution, including a minimum payment of $30,000 to one victim. Dillon may also face additional financial penalties and court supervision.