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Theft

Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud Conspiracy in Scheme Defrauding Rhode Island-Based Retailer

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A 27-year-old man from Michigan, Mattek Scott, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island to a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in a scheme that defrauded a Rhode Island-based retail outlet of approximately $140,000. The scheme, which began in June 2022 and continued until April 3, 2024, involved Scott and co-conspirators using fraudulent debit or credit cards to purchase merchandise and pre-paid gift cards from at least 35 of the retailer's outlets in 11 states, including Rhode Island. The proceeds of the scheme were used for various goods and services, resulting in losses totaling approximately $140,000.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mattek Scott, 27, of Flint, MI, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island.
  • The scheme, which ran from June 2022 to April 3, 2024, involved Scott and co-conspirators using fraudulent debit or credit cards to purchase merchandise and pre-paid gift cards from at least 35 retail outlets in 11 states.
  • The proceeds of the scheme, which totaled approximately $140,000, were used for various goods and services, including hotel stays, restaurant meals, groceries, car repairs, and convenience store items.
  • Arianna Asberry, 26, of Flint, MI, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud on November 20, 2024, and was sentenced to time served, three years federal supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $138,633.01.
  • The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and Julianne Klein.
  • The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.

Statistics:

  • Losses amounted to approximately $140,000.
  • The scheme involved at least 35 retail outlets in 11 states.
  • The proceeds of the scheme were used for various goods and services, including:

+ Hotel stays

+ Restaurant meals

+ Groceries

+ Car repairs

+ Utilities

+ Gas

+ Convenience store items

Sources:

  • United States Attorney's Office for the District of Rhode Island
  • Homeland Security Investigations
  • U.S. District Court in Rhode Island
  • Assistant United States Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and Julianne Klein

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