Girl's identity stolen for nine years

CHICAGO, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- A man in Chicago was charged with felony identity theft and faces up to 15 years in prison for allegedly stealing a young girl's Social Security number.

Ambrosio DeJesus-Flores, 39, was caught by police when the girl, 20, attempted to buy a cell phone and collect benefits from Social Security, The Arlington Heights (Ill.) Daily Herald reported Thursday.

Police reportedly learned that DeJesus-Flores allegedly bought the Social Security number nine years ago and has since used it to buy a home, obtain a job, buy a phone and finance two cars.

DeJesus-Flores has a Jan. 24 court date.