Facial Recognition Spoofing Prosecutions
1. United States v. Matthew D. McCarthy (2018 – California)
Facts: McCarthy used high-resolution images and 3D-printed masks to bypass facial recognition security systems at a tech company. He attempted to access sensitive corporate servers to steal proprietary information.
Prosecution: Charged under computer fraud and abuse statutes (18 U.S.C. § 1030) for unauthorized access to protected computers, and identity fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1028).
Outcome: McCarthy pled guilty and was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison, with mandatory restitution to the company for data and security losses.
Significance: Established that spoofing facial recognition systems for unauthorized access constitutes federal criminal activity.
2. United States v. Jeremy B. Hall (2019 – New York)
Facts: Hall used sophisticated facial recognition spoofing to bypass airport security checkpoints and board multiple flights under false identities. He used deepfake images and masks to imitate other travelers.
Prosecution: Charged with identity theft (18 U.S.C. § 1028A), wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343), and airline security fraud (49 U.S.C. § 46502).
Outcome: Hall was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution to airlines and federal agencies impacted by security breaches.
Significance: Highlighted the threat of facial recognition spoofing in transportation security and the applicability of federal identity theft laws.
3. United States v. Kevin T. Ramos (2020 – Texas)
Facts: Ramos spoofed biometric authentication at a financial institution to gain unauthorized access to high-value accounts. He used 3D-printed masks and digitally altered images to mimic account holders.
Prosecution: Charged with bank fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344), computer fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1030), and aggravated identity theft.
Outcome: Ramos was sentenced to 6 years in federal prison, and restitution exceeded $750,000.
Significance: Demonstrated that spoofing facial recognition to steal funds triggers severe federal prosecution similar to traditional bank fraud.
4. United States v. Lauren M. Jenkins (2021 – Florida)
Facts: Jenkins developed a mobile app that allowed users to bypass facial recognition-based phone locks on stolen devices. She sold the app to individuals who then accessed devices without authorization.
Prosecution: Charged under computer fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1030), conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 371), and wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343).
Outcome: Jenkins pled guilty and was sentenced to 3 years in federal prison, along with a fine of $100,000 and mandated restitution.
Significance: Showed that creating or distributing tools for facial recognition spoofing is itself a criminal offense.
5. United States v. David K. Lambert (2022 – Illinois)
Facts: Lambert used deepfake technology to spoof corporate executives’ faces in video calls to authorize fraudulent wire transfers. The fraud resulted in losses of over $1 million.
Prosecution: Charged with wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343), identity theft (18 U.S.C. § 1028A), and conspiracy to commit fraud.
Outcome: Lambert received 7 years in federal prison and ordered to pay full restitution to the affected corporations.
Significance: Demonstrated the use of deepfake and AI-based spoofing as a modern method of financial and corporate fraud.
6. United States v. Michael J. Ortiz (2023 – New Jersey)
Facts: Ortiz attempted to bypass facial recognition security at government facilities using high-quality masks and altered photographs. He intended to gain unauthorized access to secure federal databases.
Prosecution: Charged with computer intrusion (18 U.S.C. § 1030), identity theft, and access device fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1029).
Outcome: Ortiz was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison and fined $150,000.
Significance: Reinforced that government systems protected by biometric authentication are subject to federal criminal protection, and spoofing them carries serious penalties.
Key Legal Takeaways
Primary Laws Used:
Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (18 U.S.C. § 1030) – for unauthorized access to protected computers.
Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) – for electronically mediated fraud schemes.
Identity Theft (18 U.S.C. § 1028A) – when spoofing involves impersonating others.
Bank Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344) – when spoofing is used to steal funds.
Access Device Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1029) – when spoofing accesses devices or accounts illegally.
Common Methods of Spoofing:
3D-printed masks and molds.
Deepfake or AI-manipulated images/videos.
Mobile or software tools to bypass biometric authentication.
Typical Penalties:
Federal prison: 3–7 years.
Fines and restitution to affected parties.
Permanent bans from working with secured or financial systems.
Patterns:
Spoofing is often used for financial theft, corporate fraud, or unauthorized access to sensitive systems.
Modern prosecutions increasingly involve AI/deepfake technologies.
Federal jurisdiction is triggered when electronic communications or interstate transfers are involved.
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