BOSTON, MA – Ashley Roostaie, 38, also known as “dropdeadlola,” pleaded guilty on February 14, 2025, to multiple federal charges, including access device fraud, conspiracy to commit access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft, as announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
According to court documents, Roostaie, in collaboration with Terrence Pyrtle, used the personal information of another individual—specifically their name, date of birth, and Social Security number—to apply for and secure lease agreements for two apartments in Braintree and Somerville, Massachusetts.
As part of their scheme, Roostaie and Pyrtle created a fraudulent email account using the victim’s stolen identity and sent an altered driver’s license containing the victim’s details but a different person’s photograph. This forged identification allowed the defendants to hide their involvement in the lease agreements for the two apartments, each with a monthly rent exceeding $1,000.
The investigation revealed that Pyrtle used these apartments to further his drug trafficking activities, specifically in distributing cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. Roostaie and Pyrtle also used the stolen identity to obtain a Green Dot debit card, which they used to make payments for the leases.
While Roostaie has pleaded guilty, Pyrtle has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial. U.S. District Judge Patti B. Saris has scheduled Roostaie’s sentencing for May 22, 2025.
This case highlights the significant legal consequences of identity theft, fraud, and involvement in criminal enterprises, underscoring the importance of safeguarding personal information against such misuse.
