Authorities: Man used several IDs to buy thousands of dollars in furniture

Man became manager, hired employees with stolen IDs, officials say

A Dunkin’ Donuts manager is facing charges after authorities said he was accused of using other people’s identities to make money.

Agents with the U.S. Attorney’s Office said 48-year-old Rany Smith stole at least seven people's identities and used one of them to get a job as a manager at a Central Florida Dunkin’ Donuts.

News 6 learned that it isn't the first time Smith has been accused of stealing people's identities.

He was arrested by federal authorities in 2015, and while he was out on bond, investigators said his latest scheme was unfolding.

After becoming manager at the restaurant, officials said he then "hired" some of the other stolen IDs as virtual employees, clocking in and out for them during what was supposed to be their shifts. 

Authorities said Smith funneled their wages into accounts at a Central Florida Bank of America and used those stolen identities to set up credit accounts.

In January, officials said he bought nearly $3,000 worth of merchandise from Badcock Furniture.

In February, he was accused of spending more than $4,500 from Brookstone.

Authorities said Smith was also accused of buying about $17,000 worth of goods from the online retailer Wayfair.

Smith is also accused of opening credit using stolen identities to dupe Haverty's Furniture out of nearly $4,000 worth of merchandise and nearly $10,000 from Hudson’s Furniture.

In total, federal investigators said Smith got away with more than $93,000 in goods using the stolen identities.

Smith was arrested and is being held without bond.

It’s still unclear what Smith was planning to do with all of that furniture.

News 6 also learned that Smith decided to plead guilty to the charges against him just last week and is now waiting to find out how long he'll spend in federal prison.


About the Author:

Erik Sandoval joined the News 6 team as a reporter in May 2013 and became an Investigator in 2020. During his time at News 6, Erik has covered several major stories, including the 2016 Presidential campaign. He was also one of the first reporters live on the air at the Pulse Nightclub shooting.