The identities of R&B star Ashanti and actress Nia Long were stolen in an identity theft ring. In a complain filed in U.S. District Court in Rochester, Charles B. Curry Jr. and Shameika Drain Curry were charged with identity theft.

The couple stole the identity of several people, including Ashanti and Long, to purchase cars, obtain credit cards and write bogus checks.

To secure a $36,000 loan and purchase a 2003-Honda Infinity, Shameika Curry allegedly impersonated Ashanti. Shameika was also alleged to have impersonated Nia Long to write and cash a check for $8,300 made out to a cleaning service Curry runs.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard A. Resnick, if the couple is convicted, they will face a $1 million fine and a maximum penalty of up to 30 years in prison.

SOURCE: www.identitytheftdaily.com