Social media influencer accused of stealing LI woman's identity

A social media influencer from Hollywood, California is accused of stealing a Suffolk County woman's identity to pay for his lavish lifestyle.

News 12 Staff

Jun 21, 2019, 9:37 PM

Updated 1,793 days ago

Share:

A social media influencer from Hollywood, California is accused of stealing a Suffolk County woman's identity to pay for his lavish lifestyle.
Christian Aaron, 19, was charged with identity theft, grand larceny, attempted identity theft and unlawful possession of personal identification information.
Aaron's YouTube channel boasts 42,000 subscribers and is filled with videos of him opening up about his personal life and love of high-end handbags.
According to the indictment, Aaron and another individual used the personal information -- including the Social Security number, birth date, name and address -- of a Suffolk woman to get two replacement American Express cards in her name. Authorities say he then charged roughly $19,000 in handbags, clothing and a Hawaiian vacation.
Suffolk District Attorney Tim Sini says Aaron also attempted to make another $31,000 in online purchases of luxury goods, but the retailer canceled those orders.
"This was an act of greed, but this defendant wasn't just after money; he committed these crimes in part to keep up the online persona he has crafted for himself and to get likes on social media," Sini said in a statement.
Aaron appeared on "Dr. Phil" in February, in an episode about social media influencers called "Insta-Famous to Insta-Lonely."
Aaron's attorney would not comment on the charges after his arraignment Friday morning in Riverhead.
News 12 reached out to the alleged victim, but she refused to comment.
Aaron has yet to comment on social media about his arrest. He's due back in court June 25.


More from News 12
0:50
Northwell Health Walk at Jones Beach raises money to support women and children

Northwell Health Walk at Jones Beach raises money to support women and children

1:56
Mostly cloudy skies and dry conditions on Long Island

Mostly cloudy skies and dry conditions on Long Island

0:15
Superintendent: Swastika found on classroom desk at Harborfields High School

Superintendent: Swastika found on classroom desk at Harborfields High School

Guide: School Vote 2024 budgets and tax informaton

Guide: School Vote 2024 budgets and tax informaton

0:39
Police: Man injured in Wyandanch shooting; suspect at large

Police: Man injured in Wyandanch shooting; suspect at large

1:59
Greenlawn teen arrested, accused of making ‘threat of mass harm’ at Oldfield Middle School

Greenlawn teen arrested, accused of making ‘threat of mass harm’ at Oldfield Middle School

0:51
Vet Fest in Farmingdale aims to support, encourage veterans who need help

Vet Fest in Farmingdale aims to support, encourage veterans who need help

0:17
Authorities: George Washington Bridge climber in custody

Authorities: George Washington Bridge climber in custody

0:32
Police: 3 people arrested during State Liquor Authority compliance check at Huntington Station deli

Police: 3 people arrested during State Liquor Authority compliance check at Huntington Station deli

2:28
How did a Nassau County doctor overprescribe highly addictive pain pills, despite strict laws in place?

How did a Nassau County doctor overprescribe highly addictive pain pills, despite strict laws in place?

1:43
CDC urges people to get vaccinated amid resurgence of mpox

CDC urges people to get vaccinated amid resurgence of mpox

1:46
Hit-and-run on South Oyster Bay Rd. in Plainview leaves woman with concussion, 6 staples in head

Hit-and-run on South Oyster Bay Rd. in Plainview leaves woman with concussion, 6 staples in head

0:26
Principal: Student approached by van full of men in ski masks in Selden

Principal: Student approached by van full of men in ski masks in Selden

1:39
Montauk Music Festival rocks the East End

Montauk Music Festival rocks the East End

2:06
Homeowners asked to check home security video after string of Nassau County break-ins

Homeowners asked to check home security video after string of Nassau County break-ins

0:24
Police: Hempstead man exposed, touched himself inappropriately at Roosevelt Field Mall

Police: Hempstead man exposed, touched himself inappropriately at Roosevelt Field Mall

0:51
Plainview-Old Bethpage hosts basketball team from Israel impacted by Oct. 7 attacks

Plainview-Old Bethpage hosts basketball team from Israel impacted by Oct. 7 attacks

1:24
Nassau County high school seniors take part in aerial simulation exercise

Nassau County high school seniors take part in aerial simulation exercise

1:53
Toys for Tots make contribution to Promise of Hope Foundation to honor fallen Detective Jonathan Diller

Toys for Tots make contribution to Promise of Hope Foundation to honor fallen Detective Jonathan Diller

2:29
Museum of American Armor hosting 10th anniversary of World War II Encampment weekend

Museum of American Armor hosting 10th anniversary of World War II Encampment weekend