Arlington man faces federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud, identity theft and reckless drone violations

FORT WORTH, Texas - United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Ryan Raybould, announced that Melvin Leonard Mitchell III, from Arlington, pleaded guilty on Aug. 5 to conspiring to commit wire fraud, unlawfully using another's identity, and piloting a drone in flight-restricted airspace without a license.

"Mitchell didn't just steal identities and money, he repeatedly flouted the law," said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. "Those who exploit victims, jeopardize public safety and ignore clear warnings from federal authorities will face decisive consequences in the Northern District of Texas."

"The FBI is committed to working with our partners to identify perpetrators that violate federal laws meant to protect our communities, said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. "The safety and security of our community remain our top priority."

In plea papers, Mitchell admitted that between January 2022 and May 2026, he, along with several co-conspirators, procured counterfeit driver's licenses bearing the names, dates of birth and addresses of real persons. He then used those false identities and stolen credit card information to make luxury purchases for personal gain. Mitchell's illicit purchases included a four-wheeler ATV, a Rolex watch, and original artwork by Pablo Picasso, among other goods and services.

Mitchell further admitted in plea documents to knowingly and willfully serving or attempting to serve as an airman without a valid license-a felony under federal law-when he piloted his drone while a temporary flight restriction was in effect during the 2026 Grand Prix Race in Arlington. Plea documents show that Mitchell had been warned in August 2023 of the federal requirement to obtain an airman's certificate with the Federal Aviation Administration before operating a drone in flight-restricted airspace.

Mitchell faces up to ten years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. His sentencing hearing has been set for Nov. 13 before Chief U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor.

The FBI-Dallas Division conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Federal Air Marshal Service, Arlington Police Department and Coppell Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric B. Chen from the Fort Worth Division is prosecuting the case.

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