In Your Backyard

Alicia K. Cruz, also known as Alicia K. Armstrong, 26, Federal Way, was sentenced to five years in prison, five years supervised release and ordered to pay $33,117 in restitution for bank fraud, felon in possession of a firearm, and aggravated identity theft. Cruz pleaded guilty to the charges May 19, said Emily Langlie, Public Affairs Officer for the United States Attorney’s Office.

July 1, 2008 4:03 pm

Woman gets prison for fraud, ID theft

Alicia K. Cruz, also known as Alicia K. Armstrong, 26, Federal Way, was sentenced to five years in prison, five years supervised release and ordered to pay $33,117 in restitution for bank fraud, felon in possession of a firearm, and aggravated identity theft. Cruz pleaded guilty to the charges May 19, said Emily Langlie, Public Affairs Officer for the United States Attorney’s Office.

Cruz committed the crimes between August 2007 and December 2007. She passed several stolen or counterfeit checks and used stolen identity documents to open bank accounts, drain victims’ bank accounts and purchase vehicles, Langlie said.

Cruz’s crimes took place while she was on probation for identity theft and possession of stolen property, Langlie said. Officials arrested her at her Federal Way home after she used a stolen identity to rent a moving van. She was found with two guns in her possession. The loss associated with Cruz’s actions totals more than $36,000.

Students honored

• Michael Onorati, a student at Todd Beamer High School, was selected for membership in the National Society of High School Scholars. Members are entitled to benefits including scholarship opportunities, academic competitions, free events, members only resources, publications, participation in programs, online forums, personalized recognition items and publicity honors.

• Suzanne Zitzer, a student at Whitman College from Federal Way, was awarded the Fulbright U.S. Student scholarship to study ecology and environmental studies in Germany next year. The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Recipients are chosen based on academic or professional achievement.

Centerstage Theatre receives grant

Centerstage Theatre received a $10,000 grant from the Seattle Foundation to help cover the Federal Way theater company’s operating expenses through the 2008-2009 season. The grant is paid from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Fund, created by a gift to the Seattle Foundation, according to a news release.

This is the second time in the past two years that Centerstage has received a comparable award from the foundation.