Convicted Thief Sentenced to 54 Months in Prison
A Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to prison for stealing credit cards from unsuspecting moviegoers at a St. Louis cinema. Alfred L. Ford, Jr., 30, of Norristown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 54 months in prison for conspiracy to commit access device fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
On January 30, 2019, Ford appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Ronnie White, who ordered him to pay $24,639.32 in restitution. Ford’s crimes are believed to have occurred between May 27, 2017, and at least January 27, 2018, at the Landmark Plaza Frontenac Cinema in St. Louis, Missouri.
According to court records, Ford and his co-conspirators stole and obtained without authorization credit and debit cards from individual patrons at the cinema. The stolen cards were then used to make purchases at various Walmart stores within the Eastern District of Missouri, resulting in a total loss of $36,514.57.
Ford pleaded guilty to the charges in January 2019. His co-defendant, Zakia Johnson, is awaiting trial. The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case, and Assistant United States Attorney Kyle T. Bateman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of being cautious with personal financial information, especially in public places. It is not clear if Ford’s co-defendant, Zakia Johnson, will face similar charges in the future.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has not commented on the possibility of further charges or convictions in this case. However, the sentencing of Alfred L. Ford, Jr., serves as a warning to those who would engage in similar crimes.
With the rise of identity theft and credit card skimming, it is essential for citizens to remain vigilant and take steps to protect their personal financial information. By doing so, they can help prevent crimes like those committed by Alfred L. Ford, Jr., and his co-conspirators.
The U.S. Secret Service continues to investigate similar crimes and work to bring perpetrators to justice. As this case demonstrates, the consequences of such crimes can be severe, with lengthy prison sentences and significant financial restitution.
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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