Card Fraud Ring Leaders Sentenced in Georgia

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, has announced the sentencing of Antonio Hernandez-Vilar, Eduardo Rodriguez-Martinez, Gustavo Hernandez-Corona, and Aquiles Alvarez-Valdes, all from Tampa, Florida. The four men, aged 44 to 48, were sentenced in Valdosta, Georgia, on February 25, 2015, by Senior United States District Court Judge Hugh Lawson.

These defendants entered guilty pleas to possessing unauthorized access devices on October 23, 2014. On May 9, 2014, a Lowndes County deputy stopped their vehicle on Interstate 75 and discovered stolen credit and debit cards encoded with account numbers, laptops containing over 400 additional stolen account numbers, and a Magnetic Card Reader/Writer. The deputies also found approximately 180 gift cards purchased using the stolen account numbers.

The sentences handed down by Judge Lawson were: Antonio Hernandez-Vilar received 80 months imprisonment; Eduardo Rodriguez-Martinez was sentenced to 48 months; Gustavo Hernandez-Corona and Aquiles Alvarez-Valdes both received 57 months. The defendants were also jointly ordered to pay $14,364.99 in restitution to victims.

“The Secret Service remains committed to protecting our nation’s financial security by aggressively investigating those responsible for stealing and using re-encoded credit cards,” said Clint A. Bush, Resident Agent in Charge of the Albany, Georgia Resident Office. The case was investigated by agents from the United States Secret Service and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.

Michael Moore highlighted the collaborative effort in pursuing these crimes: “Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to pursue those committing these crimes.” Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey at (478) 621-2603.

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