Baltimore, Maryland – A ruthless thief from Baltimore, William Albert Engel, Jr., has pleaded guilty to the interstate transportation of stolen goods, a scheme that saw him and his cronies loot shopping mall kiosks for over half a million dollars worth of designer sunglasses.
Engel, 40, was charged by United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein; FBI Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson; and Maryland State Police Colonel William M. Pallozzi. The guilty plea came as shock to the Baltimore community.
According to court documents, Engel, between October 2014 and March 2016, conspired with Brian Halsey and others to break into kiosks across several states. They stole high-end sunglasses worth over $500,000, which they sold online through various identities.
Halsey, who has already pleaded guilty, was the mastermind behind the operation. He used different names for online accounts and bank accounts to sell the stolen goods and ship them across the nation. Halsey also provided cash from the sales to Engel and funded his travel expenses for more thefts.
In August 2015, law enforcement raided Halsey’s home in Dundalk, Maryland, uncovering over $200,000 worth of stolen sunglasses, a printing and labeling system, and documents detailing their online market scheme. Lock-pick kits and maps were also seized.
Engel admitted the involvement of more than five individuals in the heist, assisting with packaging, shipping, setting up bank accounts, and committing thefts. The estimated loss due to this crime spree was approximately $500,000.
The guilty Engel faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and is required to forfeit $500,000 as per his plea agreement. Sentencing is set for January 24, 2017. Halsey’s sentencing follows on November 15, 2016. The justice system awaits their final judgments.
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Key Facts
- State: Maryland
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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