Individual and Offense Characteristics

• 70.2% of individuals sentenced for theft, property destruction, and fraud offenses were men. 
   
• 38.6% were White, 38.6% were Black, 16.0% were Hispanic, and 6.8% were Other races. 
   
• Their average age was 43 years. 
   
• 88.2% were United States citizens.
   
• 73.0% had little or no prior criminal history (Criminal History Category I). 
   
• The median loss for these offenses was $210,410;³
  • 9.1% involved loss amounts of $6,500 or less;
  • 19.6% involved loss amounts greater than $1.5 million.
• Sentences were increased for:
  • the number of victims or extent of harm to victims (31.0%);⁴
  • using sophisticated means to execute or conceal the offense (19.7%);
  • using an unauthorized means of identification (14.8%);
  • a leadership or supervisory role in the offense (9.9%);
  • abusing a public position of trust or using a special skill (15.6%);
  • obstructing or impeding the administration of justice (3.7%). 
     
• Sentences were decreased for:
  • minor or minimal participation in the offense (4.7%).
     
• The top five districts for individuals sentenced for theft, property destruction, and fraud offenses were:
  • Southern District of Florida (272);
  • Southern District of New York (232);
  • Central District of California (179);
  • Southern District of Texas (168);
  • Middle District of Florida (145). 

Punishment

• The average sentence length for individuals sentenced for theft, property destruction, and fraud offenses was 22 months. 
   
• 74.2% were sentenced to prison.
   
• 8.7% were convicted of an offense carrying a mandatory minimum penalty; 17.4% of those individuals were relieved of that penalty.

Sentences Relative to the Guideline Range

• 60.1% of sentences for theft, property destruction, and fraud offenses were under the Guidelines Manual.
  • 41.4% were sentenced within the guideline range.
     
  • 14.5% were substantial assistance departures.
    • The average sentence reduction was 68.1%.
  • 0.1% were Early Disposition Program (EDP) departures.⁵
    • The average sentence reduction was 30.6%.
  • 3.8% were some other downward departure.
    • The average sentence reduction was 55.5%.
  • 0.3% were upward departures.
    • The average sentence increase was 104.1%.
       
• 39.9% of sentences for theft, property destruction, and fraud offenses were variances.
  • 37.9% were downward variances.
    • The average sentence reduction was 57.0%.
       
  • 2.0% were upward variances.
    • The average sentence increase was 59.6%.

• The average guideline minimum slightly increased while the average sentence imposed remained steady over the past five years.
  • The average guideline minimum slightly increased from 28 months in fiscal year 2020 to 31 months in fiscal year 2024.
     
  • The average sentence imposed was 21 months in fiscal year 2020 and 22 months in fiscal year 2024.