Elderly Oregon Man Sentenced to Prison for Identity Theft and Tax Evasion
Michael David Anastasia (69) of Redmond was sentenced to prison two years in federal prison yesterday (Tuesday) for identity theft and evading a $1.1 million tax debt. He was ordered to pay $777,899 restitution to the IRS, with additional restitution pending.
Michael David Anastasia Used Victim’s Social Security Number for 18 Years
According to a news release from the Oregon U.S. Attorney’s Office, for 18 years between 2002 and 2020, Anastasia used a victim’s social security number to open more than 30 bank accounts and credit cards.
In a separate scheme, Anastasia coerced $1.4 million from another victim between 1991 and 2003 after fabricating a government agreement about seized funds. In 2007, Anastasia was convicted of tax evasion for failing to report this income.
Following his release from prison in November 2015, Anastasia agreed to pay the IRS a portion of any income above $4,526 per month.
Instead, he funneled excess funds to his roommate, who withdrew the money in cash that Anastasia hid in a home safe – this allowed him to evade tax payments of more than $180,000 between March 2016 and September 2018.
Anastasia was indicted in February 2024 on charges including wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, tax evasion, and false statements to financial institutions. On September 4, 2024, he pleaded guilty to identity theft and tax evasion.
The case was investigated by the FBI and IRS, with prosecution handled by Oregon Assistant U.S. Attorneys William M. McLaren and Gavin W. Bruce.
Sources & References
- Press Release from U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Oregon