U.S. Citizen Pleads Guilty to Identity Theft Scheme Targeting Military Service Members

Robert Wayne Boling Jr., a 45‑year‑old U.S. citizen who lived in the Philippines, entered a guilty plea on Oct. 20, 2026 for a scheme that stole personal data from thousands of U.S. servicemembers and veterans. The plea was entered in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.

According to court documents, Boling received stolen personally identifiable information (PII) from a co‑conspirator, Fredrick Brown, who photographed military records while working as a civilian medical records administrator in South Korea. Boling used that data to hack bank accounts and government benefit accounts, moving the stolen money through a network of U.S. money mules and sending part of the proceeds to the Philippines.

Charges and Potential Penalty

Boling pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing is set for Jan. 14, 2027, and the judge will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Co‑Conspirators and Ongoing Investigation

Two other participants, Fredrick Brown and Trorice Crawford, have already been sentenced to 151 and 46 months in prison, respectively. Two additional suspects, Jongmin Seok and Allan Albert Kerr, remain fugitives. The Department of Defense Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) continues to investigate, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Army Criminal Investigation Command, and the Veterans Benefits Administration.

What This Means for Service Members and Veterans

If you are a current or former service member, this case underscores the importance of monitoring your financial accounts and protecting your personal information. Look for unexpected activity in bank or benefits accounts, and report any suspicious transactions to your bank, the VA, or law enforcement. There is no specific deadline mentioned in the release, but staying vigilant can help prevent further loss.

When to Seek Legal Help

Victims of identity theft or fraud may benefit from consulting an attorney, especially to navigate reporting requirements, recover stolen funds, or address any credit damage. An attorney can also advise on any potential civil actions against the perpetrators.

This article is general information based on U.S. Department of Justice and court or agency records available at publication time. It is not legal advice; laws and deadlines differ by state and by case. Published October 21, 2026.