DENVER (KDVR) — A Commerce City man was sentenced to three years in prison, in addition to having to pay restitution to the state of Colorado, after he pleaded guilty to one count each of identity theft and filing a false tax return.
Ryan Gerald Garbiso, 43, pleaded guilty on Jan. 9 to both counts under a plea agreement. He is accused of taking personal information for two deceased individuals and filing unemployment insurance claims with their data.
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For these acts, Garbiso was originally charged with:
- Theft of $25,051
- Cybercrime amounting to $25,051
- Identity theft resulting in the collection of $25,051
- Attempt to influence a public servant from May 21, 2020, through Sept. 22, 2020
The alleged crimes were discovered in January 2022, according to an arrest affidavit issued for Garbiso in October 2022.
Investigators looked at records with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and found that Garbiso impersonated two other claimants, Elias Mendoza and Mandy Grey.