A federal investigation into a large-scale Georgia credit card theft ring has reached into Columbus, producing four local arrests, including two guilty pleas last month.
Details of the scheme were released by the Department of Justice Monday after Steven Michael Jackson, 27, of Atlanta became the 11th and final defendant charged in the case, which dates back to 2009.
http://liarcatchers.com/fraud_investigation.html
Sean Carlos Deloatch, 25, and Antonio Escobal, 33, both of Columbus, Georgia, pleaded guilty to charges in the indictment on Sept. 7. The remaining defendants were previously arraigned and were either detained or released on bond.
Dwayne Matthew Neely, 28, and Lakeysha Renee Hill, 25, both of Columbus, also face federal charges as part of the alleged conspiracy.
Authorities contend the defendants obtained and possessed electronic devices referred to as “skimmers,” which are capable of copying and storing debit and credit card account information. The defendants, some of whom were employed by restaurant and retail establishments, used the skimmers to copy and store debit and credit card account numbers from unsuspecting customers.
Two Columbus restaurants — Shogun Japanese Steakhouse and a local Krystal — were cited by the Department of Justice. Other establishments included a McDonald’s restaurant in Atlanta; and Polished Nail Salon in Lawrenceville, Ga. All of the impacted restaurants and retail establishments cooperated in the investigation, according to a news release.
The illegal activity occurred from June 2009 to November 2010, according to the United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates, the charges and other information presented in court.
“Identity theft continues to be a major problem that plagues our district and the nation at large,” Yates said, “Many of our community members have been victimized by identity theft or know someone who has. This case highlights our Office’s determination and ongoing commitment to bring those responsible for this distressing problem to justice.”
The U.S. Postal Service was also involved in the investigation.
Others charged include Norman Uriah Simmonds, 32, of Lilburn, Ga; Bryan Charles Jones, 32, of Atlanta; Jerome Christopher Ledgister, 25, of Stockbridge, Ga.; Tamicka Lashaun Trice, 26, of Atlanta; and Carmen Marie Walker, 24, of Atlanta.
Read more: http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2011/10/17/1782157/federal-authorities-contend-four.html#ixzz1b5yAUlgV
