Man admits to posing as woman cab driver, stealing

WASHINGTON (AP) — A male cab driver who prosecutors say dressed as a woman and talked drunken passengers into giving him their ATM cards and PINs has pleaded guilty to fraud.

Fifty-year-old Nyerere (nay-REER) Mitchell of Clinton, Maryland, pleaded guilty to five counts of first-degree felony fraud Monday in Superior Court in Washington. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison on each count at sentencing Oct. 10.

According to government evidence, Mitchell drove an SUV and frequently wore a wig and padded breasts. Prosecutors say he offered rides to people who appeared to be intoxicated.

Authorities say riders would give Mitchell their ATM cards and PINs so he could drive up to bank machines and withdraw their fares. Prosecutors say Mitchell withdrew hundreds of dollars instead of $10 to $40 fares.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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