San Francisco Sun

Freddie Lee Davis III has been sentenced to 24 months and a day in federal prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The sentence was issued by United States District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers on October 24, 2024. Davis's co-defendant, Sene Malepeai, who also pleaded guilty to the same charges, is awaiting sentencing.

Both defendants were initially charged on June 30, 2023, with Davis being held in custody since August 31 of that year. They faced superseding charges on July 19, 2024.

The case stems from a robbery incident on June 17, 2021, at a Costco parking lot in San Leandro. The victim, identified as "Q.D." in the complaint, was injured during the robbery when her purse was forcibly taken from her by an individual in a moving car. Surveillance footage linked the vehicle to Davis.

Davis admitted guilt on August 1, 2024, acknowledging his role in the robbery and possession of stolen items including Q.D.'s credit card. He confessed to using the card for fraudulent purchases alongside Malepeai.

Judge Gonzalez Rogers also ordered Davis to pay restitution and serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey emphasized the importance of prosecuting such crimes to ensure community safety: “Community members should be able to live their lives without fear of being robbed and having items stolen from them used fraudulently.”

Malepeai admitted her involvement in the crime during her plea agreement on September 17, 2024. She detailed how she and others targeted Asian women for robbery due to perceived vulnerability and wealth. Her sentencing is scheduled for November 7, 2024.

The mandatory minimum penalty for aggravated identity theft is two years imprisonment while wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of up to twenty years. Sentencing takes into account U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.

The case announcement came from U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and FBI Special Agent Robert Tripp. Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Cheng and Molly Priedeman are leading the prosecution with support from Mimi Lam following an investigation by the FBI and San Leandro Police Department.