ATLANTIC COUNTY, N.J. — Cory Kott, 35, of Mays Landing, has been ordered held without bail in the Atlantic County jail following his arrest in connection with a multi-state SIM-swapping and identity theft ring.
Kott faces 10 charges, including two second-degree counts of identity theft and computer crimes, after a two-year investigation led by the FBI and New Jersey State Police. His arrest on May 29 followed joint probes in Texas and Colorado that traced the complex scheme back to Kott and co-defendant Omar Lopez, 45, of Atlantic City.
According to Assistant Prosecutor Despina Hess, Kott orchestrated a “very complex and highly intelligent” SIM-swapping operation. By transferring victims’ phone numbers to a device in his possession, Kott allegedly gained access to emails, banking apps, PayPal, Venmo, and other sensitive platforms.
Authorities say Kott then used the stolen data to forge driver’s licenses with his own image but the victims’ personal details — allowing further theft and fraud. In some cases, victims unknowingly received access to each other’s iCloud data, revealing photos of Kott and his distinctive neck tattoo, helping link him to the crimes.
The scope of the alleged theft includes:
Hundreds in fraudulent purchases at Kohl’s, Wawa, and Boscov’s
PayPal and Venmo transfers up to $874.53
At least three victims lost over $1,000
One reported loss included $600 sent to Draft Kings
During Kott’s detention hearing, he appeared visibly emotional, wiping away tears. His attorney, John Bjorklund, acknowledged Kott’s past struggles with methamphetamine addiction and gambling, noting that he is now seeking help and has cooperated fully with law enforcement.
“This highly intelligent individual totally cooperated with them,” Bjorklund said, referencing Kott’s cooperation with investigators.
But Prosecutor Hess disputed this portrayal, revealing that Kott was found hiding in a crawlspace at an Atlantic City residence when police executed the arrest warrant. Although his legal address was in Mays Landing, Kott had allegedly been evading authorities.
Hess also cited Kott’s criminal history:
Seven prior indictable convictions, including burglary and terroristic threats
Ten failures to appear in court, including an active bench warrant from December 2023
Seven domestic violence restraining orders, with two still active
A fugitive warrant from Pennsylvania related to a similar device fraud case
While a public safety assessment recommended home monitoring, Judge Jorge Coombs ruled Kott’s release posed a community safety risk, particularly if he had access to a computer.
Coombs ordered Kott held but allowed the option for him to be transferred to an inpatient detox facility under inmate status.
Meanwhile, co-defendant Omar Lopez was released on June 6 and faces four charges related to two victims.
