Shurtleff Honors Efforts to Help Needy and Stop Identity Theft in Utah

Utah Attorney General, Jan 15, 2007

December 15, 2006

Attorney General Mark Shurtleff gave top honors today to an attorney who helped obtain insurance for the needy and an investigator who uncovered a serial identity thief. Assistant Attorney General Perri Babalis was named 2006 Attorney of the Year for getting a $2.4 million grant to provide insurance for Utahns who cannot afford it. Investigator Kevin Pepper was named 2006 Employee of the Year for investigating and helping solve 300 complex identity theft cases committed by one suspect.

"Perri and Kevin embody the core qualities that make public servants great---hard work, dedication, and persistence," says Shurtleff. "In performing their duties with distinction, Perri and Kevin have provided huge benefits to the citizens of Utah."

Perri Babalis led the effort to obtain federal funding for the Health Insurance Pool Utah, which subsidizes insurance premiums for Utah's neediest citizens. First, she worked with the legislature to change state law so Utah was eligible for the grant. Second, she researched, wrote and applied for the grant. Finally, the federal government approved $2.4 million for Utahns who could not afford insurance.

"The result of Perri's effort is that health insurance will now be available to many more of Utah's neediest citizens," says Tax and Revenue Division Chief John McCarrey. "Perri is a talented attorney committed to the welfare of the citizens we serve."

Investigator Kevin Pepper was able to get a suspect to confess to more than 300 identity theft cases and explain where the burglaries were committed. The work was time-consuming and tedious. He spent months traveling around the state to gather information and contact other law enforcement agencies.

"In my 16 year career, I know of only one other burglary case of this magnitude where the suspects were apprehended," says Captain Terry Powell of the Attorney General's High Tech Crimes Task Force. "Kevin helped solve this case while also handling a full case load."

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the country and Pepper is the sole investigator for identity theft cases for the High Tech Crimes Task Force. He tackles hundreds of complaints each year because many local law enforcement agencies do not have the resources to handle these cases.

The awards were given at the Utah Attorney General's Office 2006 Holiday Awards Luncheon.