Metro

Social media star Christian Aaron charged with identity theft

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Published June 21, 2019
Updated June 21, 2019, 5:01 p.m. ET
Christian Aaron, who is accused of stealing a woman's identity and racking up $19,000 on an American Express card under her name
Christian Aaron, who is accused of stealing a woman's identity and racking up $19,000 on an American Express card under her name Instagram

A young social media influencer is accused of stealing a Long Island woman’s identity to open up American Express credit cards, which he used to buy $19,000 worth of Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana bags and a trip to Hawaii, prosecutors said Friday.

Christian Aaron, 19, from Hollywood, Calif., was indicted on multiple felony counts for allegedly ripping off Lisa Caldararo in December 2017, according to court papers filed in Suffolk County court.

He and an unnamed co-defendant got their hands on the Smithtown resident’s Amex information and had two replacement cards in her name sent to them, prosecutors alleged.

Aaron allegedly used the cards to buy plane tickets to Hawaii and to stay at the four-star Aulani Disney Resort & Spa in Kapolei, prosecutors said. On that trip, he used the credit cards to buy handbags and clothing from Chanel, Dolce & Gabana and lingerie brand Agent Provocateur.

During this same time, Aaron is accused of calling Amex several times and impersonating the victim to open additional cards in her name.

All told, $19,000 was fraudulently charged in the victim’s name.

“As with all of the financial crimes our office investigates and prosecutes, this was an act of greed, but this defendant wasn’t just after money; he committed these crimes in part to keep up the online persona he has crafted for himself and to get likes on social media,” Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy Sini said.

Aaron also allegedly tried going on a $31,000 shopping spree on The RealReal, an online luxury consignment shop, but the orders were canceled by the retailer before the items shipped.

The gay teen is famous online for his makeup tutorials and unboxing high-priced purchases to his 42,000 YouTube followers and 184,000 fans on Instagram.

He frequently posts about his spur-of-the-moment trips to Maui and jaunts through Europe, going to Coachella and fancy cars like Bentleys, Lamborghinis and Mercedes G wagons.

Christian Aaron attends Dani Cohn's Music Video Release And Halloween Bash held at Los Angeles Center Studios
Christian Aaron attends Dani Cohn’s Music Video Release And Halloween Bash held at Los Angeles Center Studios.Getty Images

Aaron pleaded not guilty to eight charges, including felony identity theft and grand larceny, and a misdemeanor count of unlawful possession of personal identification information.

‘Bail was set at $15,000 cash or $30,000 bond — which his lawyer Mark Muccigrosso expected him to post.

“We’re ready for him to get bailed out and fight the charges,” the attorney said.
Aaron’s next court date is Tuesday. He faces a maximum sentence of two and 1/3 to seven years in prison.

Reached by phone in Florida, Aaron’s dad David Tyler Aaron said he was “shocked” to learn about the charges.

“He’s a very good kid. I can’t imagine he would be tied up in any of this stuff,” the dad said. “He comes from a good family. It’s a shame these allegations are being made. He has to have his day in court.”