Charles Manu, Possession of Unauthorized Access Devices, West Virginia 2024

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Charles Manu, 23, of Bronx, New York, has been sentenced to 24 months in prison for possession of counterfeit devices, announced United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, today.

Manu was found in Ohio County in possession of more than fifteen counterfeit devices, including stolen credit card account numbers and recoded or reprogrammed gift cards. Manu previously pled guilty to one count of "Possession of Unauthorized Access Devices."

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police and the United States Secret Service investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided over the case.

Manu’s sentence of 24 months in prison is a stark reminder of the consequences of engaging in such illegal activities. The proliferation of counterfeit devices is a growing concern, and law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.

The case serves as a warning to anyone considering engaging in similar activities: the consequences are severe, and the risks are high. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

The West Virginia State Police and the United States Secret Service are to be commended for their tireless efforts in investigating and prosecuting this case. Their dedication to keeping our communities safe is truly commendable.

As we continue to combat the growing threat of cybercrime, it is essential that we work together to prevent such crimes from occurring in the first place. We must remain proactive in our efforts to educate the public and provide them with the tools they need to protect themselves from these types of threats.

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