Minooka man sentenced to prison for identity theft

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A judge sentenced a Minooka man to six years in prison, Friday, Sept.18, when he pleaded guilty in circuit court to an identifty theft charge.

Thomas Merritt, 31, 1724 Waters Edge, Minooka, was given credit for 343 days served in the county jail and ordered to pay $26,016 restitution. He must also pay $200 costs, submit a DNA sample and pay the $200 fee.

He was charged with using the Social Security number of Amber Koster on July 22, 2008, to obtain more than $300. The circuit court grand jury indicted Merritt on the charge Nov. 5. Charges of using her identify on June 3, June 13 and July 10, 2008, were dismissed

Two deceptive practice charges, for presenting checks for $1,143.97 each to the First National Bank of Morris on July 24 and July 29, 2008,  were dismissed. They were drawn on the account of Merritt Excavating, which were not paid by Fifth Third Bank.

Two other deceptive practice charges, for presenting checks at Standard Bank and Trust, were also dismissed. The checks were presented Sept. 29, 2008, for $1,200, and Oct. 2, 2008, for $700 and were not paid by Fifth Third Bank.

A deceptive practice charge for presenting a check to the Morris Community Credit Union for $970 on July 3, 2008, which was not paid by TCF, was dismissed.