Former Highland Park resident gets probation in identity fraud case

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Updated: March 10, 2012 8:10AM

After hiding out in Las Vegas for nearly 30 years, former Highland Park resident Arthur Gerald Jones’ scheme living under another identity officially caught up with him this week.

Jones was sentenced Tuesday to three years of probation in lieu of 18 to 48 months in the Nevada Department of Corrections. He also was ordered to pay about $90,000 in restitution, according to a news release from the Nevada Attorney General’s office.

Jones, 73, pleaded guilty in September to felony identity fraud, a class E felony. Prosecutors said Jones was living under an assumed identity and using another individual’s Social Security number for nearly 30 years. The charges were filed in connection with Jones’ application to renew a drivers license under the assumed name.

Since Jones was declared legally dead 25 years ago after leaving a wife and three children in Highland Park, he was ordered to pay more than $78,500 to the Social Security Administration for payments wrongly made to his family.

He also is on the hook for $11,400 to the victim of his identity theft for missed work and legal fees related to the misuse of his Social Security number.

Jones could face time behind bars if he doesn’t perform court mandated community service, stay out of legal trouble and complete counseling, the Nevada Attorney General’s office stated.

According to a court affidavit filed in July, Jones said he was forced to sell his Chicago Board of Trade seat to pay debts.