FARGO, N.D. — A Canadian man convicted in what witnesses called one of the largest credit card schemes in U.S. history is taking his case to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Adekunle Adetiloye (aw-duh-KUHN-lee aw-duh-tuh-LOH'-ee) pleaded guilty earlier to mail fraud and was sentenced to 18 years in prison. Authorities say he stole the identities of about 38,000 people and bilked companies out of about $1.5 million.
He says he was a mid-level player in the operation.
The 8th Circuit has appointed University of North Dakota law professor Steven Morrison to represent the defendant in the appeal.
Adetiloye claimed in an appeal to the district court that his sentence was unfair he was labeled the leader of the conspiracy. He says he was a mid-level player in the operation.
U.S. District Judge Ralph Erickson rejected the original appeal.