A Cumberland man received a suspended prison sentence after investigators determined he impersonated women to gain unauthorized access to private boudoir photographs stored on online business platforms.
Frederick, MD – A 39-year-old Allegany County man has been convicted following a Maryland State Police investigation into the illegal access of online databases and the theft of private photographs belonging to multiple victims.
According to the Maryland State Police, Mathew Mark Schartiger of Cumberland was charged in two separate criminal cases after investigators uncovered what authorities described as a scheme involving identity theft and unauthorized access to online accounts. Following consultation with the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office, Schartiger faced a combined total of 16 criminal charges.
Investigation uncovered impersonation scheme
State police said the investigation began in March after law enforcement officials in Allegany County reported multiple incidents involving possible identity theft.
Troopers determined Schartiger had impersonated female victims by creating fraudulent email accounts and using them to unlawfully access private boudoir photographs stored on multiple online business platforms.
Judge imposes suspended prison sentence
On Wednesday, Schartiger was sentenced by District Court Judge Mimi Cooper to two consecutive three-year prison terms. The court suspended all but 10 days of the sentence, according to Maryland State Police.
Authorities did not release additional details about the number of victims or identify the online platforms involved in the investigation.
Key Points
- Cumberland resident Mathew Mark Schartiger, 39, was convicted following a Maryland State Police investigation.
- Investigators said he impersonated female victims to gain unauthorized access to private boudoir photographs stored online.
- Schartiger received two consecutive three-year prison terms, with all but 10 days of the sentence suspended.
Related: Maryland State Police, Cumberland, Allegany County, Frederick County, Identity Theft
