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 1,933 days ago

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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.