PORTLAND, Maine – Charles Harris, 38, of Maryland, is headed to federal prison after admitting to a scheme involving counterfeit credit cards used to fleece Maine retailers. He was sentenced today to eight months behind bars and three years of supervised release, a consequence for his role in a wider fraud operation.
U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. handed down the sentence, also ordering Harris to pay $1,008.15 in restitution to the businesses victimized by the fraudulent purchases. Harris pleaded guilty in December 2020, acknowledging his involvement in the criminal enterprise. The case stems back to December 2018 when Harris and his partner, Bryan Boley, traveled to Maine with a stash of illegally obtained credit card numbers.
According to court records, the pair systematically used these counterfeit cards at various retail outlets across the state. The fraudulent credit card numbers weren’t created by Harris or Boley, but rather purchased on the dark web, highlighting the ease with which criminals can acquire stolen financial information. This isn’t a sophisticated operation, just brazen theft enabled by digital anonymity.
This isn’t Harris’s first brush with the law in this case. His co-defendant, Bryan Boley, already received a 22-month prison sentence and three years of supervised release in November 2019 for his part in the same scheme. Boley’s longer sentence likely reflects a greater degree of involvement or a more extensive criminal history.
The investigation, a collaborative effort, was led by the U.S. Secret Service, with significant support from the Maine State Police, and local law enforcement from the towns of Auburn, Brunswick, Cape Elizabeth, and Yarmouth. The Secret Service, while often associated with protecting political figures, has a significant mandate in investigating financial crimes like this one, particularly those involving counterfeiting.
While the restitution order of $1,008.15 is a small victory for the affected businesses, the case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of credit card fraud. Authorities are urging consumers and businesses alike to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. The ease with which these criminals obtained stolen credit card data underscores the need for stronger cybersecurity measures and increased consumer awareness.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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