Man sent to prison for ID fraud

PORT CLINTON — A man was sentenced to prison Friday for identity fraud.David Romero, 63, pleaded guilty to one count each of identity fraud and forgery, both fourth-degree felonies in September.Ottawa County Judge Bruce Winters sentenced him to 17 months in prison for each charge and ordered the sentences be served consecutively for a total prison sentence of two years and 10 months.Judge Winters reasoned consecutive sentences were necessary to protect the public given Romero's "history of criminal conduct," according to court documents.On Monday, the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office was given a warrant to convey Romero to the Lorain Correctional Institute, where he'll serve his sentence.Romoro was originally charged with 50 felonies, which included engaging a pattern of corrupt activity and multiple counts of identity fraud and forgery.The charge stems from a traffic stop on Ohio 2 made by the Ohio State Highway Patrol in March after Romero was allegedly speeding. During the traffic stop, the state troopers allegedly noticed criminal indicators and searched Romero's van.The troopers allegedly found 26 fraudulent identification cards, 36 fraudulent credit card and about $16,000 worth of electronics.Romero originally pleaded not guilty to the charges, but he later accepted a plea deal. In exchange for pleading guilty to one count each of identity fraud and forgery, the other charges were dismissed.Reach reporter Michael Harrington at michaelharrington@sanduskyregister.com, follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegister