County probes former inmate’s jailhouse ID theft ring

A year-long investigation looks into use of phone system to buy and sell stolen identities

The Portland Tribune, Oct 21, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (6 Reader comments)

Shawn K. McGinnis, also known as “Sammy Straight Razor.”

Courtesy of MCSO

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A 45-year-old former Multnomah County Jail inmate faces an investigation for identity theft and fraud for allegedly ripping people off from inside the jail.

Shawn K. McGinnis, who is an inmate at the federal penitentiary in Florence, Colo., was the subject of a year-long investigation by Multnomah County sheriff’s detectives and the corrections department. He was accused of running a fraud ring from inside the jail using the three-way calling system to buy and sell stolen identity information to fellow criminals.

The three-way calling feature has since been eliminated within the county jail system, according to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.

Known as “Sammy Straight Razor,” McGinnis allegedly told detectives during the investigation that when he was released he planned to go “on a meth binge and hurt (them) real bad.”

The sheriff’s office released an erroneous press release Tuesday afternoon claiming that McGinnis had been indicted on 87 counts of identity theft and fraud. In reality, no indictment has been issued, according to the district attorney’s office.

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Reader comments

Re: County probes former inmate’s jailhouse ID theft ring

The entire world has been placed into existence for the amusement of this criminal, just ask him.

"Rehabilitation is not in his future"

(email verified)

Wed, Oct 22, 2008 at 12:45 AM

Re: County probes former inmate’s jailhouse ID theft ring

Let's spend another year or two investigating this!

"Dale"

(email verified)

Wed, Oct 22, 2008 at 07:43 AM

Re: County probes former inmate’s jailhouse ID theft ring

More crap for Skipper to inherrit. And how wrong those people were to think he would/could put the S/O back on track. So far he hasnt shown anything positive. Just a bunch of whinning management that couldnt get their way with Bernie. Now skipper is taking this place back to the 80's. So much for progress.

"St.Johns Kid"

(email verified)

Wed, Oct 22, 2008 at 08:46 AM

Re: County probes former inmate’s jailhouse ID theft ring

Maybe Multnomah County can get him back from the feds and put him in one of those "programs" for stupid criminals that the Multnomah County Liberals are famous for funding despite the the brand new jail that has been standing empty for five years now.

"People's Republic of Oregon"

(email verified)

Wed, Oct 22, 2008 at 12:20 PM

Re: County probes former inmate’s jailhouse ID theft ring

People's Republic of Oregon

AMEN to that. If the tax payers could only hear the truth what the media refuses to print. If they would tell them why this jail sits empty, this liberal county would be looking for all new commissioners. Why does the county need another jail? when they cant fill the 2 they have? These liberal programs of drug/alcohol treatment is NOT the answer to the problem. Just a band-aid to cover their own misdeeds.

"St.Johns Kid"

(email verified)

Wed, Oct 22, 2008 at 03:15 PM

Re: County probes former inmate’s jailhouse ID theft ring

WOW IT IS ABOUT TIME THAT SOMEONE TRIES TO DO SOMETHING TO KEEP THIS ANIMAL FROM HURTING MORE PEOPLE THEN HE ALREADY HAS... I AM A DAUGHTER OF ONE OF HIS EX WIFE'S... THERE IS NOT STOPPING THIS MAN... THEY PRETTY MUCH CALL HIM A CAREER CRIMINAL... SERIOUSLY.. THE ONLY THING HE KNOW'S HOW TO DO IS HURT PEOPLE OVER, AND OVER AGAIN... THERE IS NO STOPPING HIM... I MEAN LOOK WHAT HE DID FROM BEHIND BARS... MORE AND MORE... SOMEONE NEEDS TO STOP HIM...

PLEASE