Individual and Offense Characteristics

• 70% of individuals sentenced for theft, property destruction, and fraud offenses were men. 
   
• 39% were Black, 36% were White, 19% were Hispanic, and 7% were Other races. 
   
• Their average age was 42 years. 
   
• 87% were United States citizens.
   
• 74% had little or no prior criminal history (Criminal History Category I). 
   
• 52% received the adjustment at USSG §4C1.1 for zero criminal history points.
   
• The median loss for these offenses was $239,730;³
  • 7% involved loss amounts of $6,500 or less;
  • 20% involved loss amounts greater than $1.5 million.
• Sentences were increased for:
  • the number of victims or extent of harm to victims (33%);⁴
  • using sophisticated means to execute or conceal the offense (20%);
  • using an unauthorized means of identification (15%);
  • a leadership or supervisory role in the offense (11%);
  • abusing a public position of trust or using a special skill (16%);
  • obstructing or impeding the administration of justice (4%). 
     
• Sentences were decreased for:
  • minor or minimal participation in the offense (4%).
     
• The top five districts for individuals sentenced for theft, property destruction, and fraud offenses were:
  • Southern District of Florida (206);
  • Middle District of Florida (176);
  • Southern District of New York (165);
  • Central District of California (161);
  • Eastern District of New York (155).

Punishment

• The average sentence length for individuals sentenced for theft, property destruction, and fraud offenses was 23 months. 
   
• 75% were sentenced to prison.
   
• 9% were convicted of an offense carrying a mandatory minimum penalty; 19% of those individuals were relieved of that penalty.

Sentences Relative to the Guideline Range

• 58% of sentences for theft, property destruction, and fraud offenses were under the Guidelines Manual.
  • 41% were sentenced within the guideline range.
     
  • 14% were substantial assistance departures.
    • The average sentence reduction was 69%.
  • Less than 1% were Early Disposition Program (EDP) departures.⁵
    • The average sentence reduction was 77%.
  • 2% were some other downward departure.
    • The average sentence reduction was 60%.
  • Less than 1% were upward departures.
    • The average sentence increase was 108%.
       
• 42% of sentences for theft, property destruction, and fraud offenses were variances.
  • 40% were downward variances.
    • The average sentence reduction was 56%.
       
  • 2% were upward variances.
    • The average sentence increase was 83%.

• The average guideline minimum and the average sentence imposed remained steady over the past five years.
  • The average guideline minimum was 30 months in fiscal year 2021 and 33 months in fiscal year 2025.
     
  • The average sentence imposed was 21 months in fiscal year 2021 and 23 months in fiscal year 2025.