SCRANTON, PA – A decade-long run from justice ended recently for Elhadj Barry, 32, a resident alien originally from Guinea, who now faces federal charges for a 2008 credit card fraud conspiracy. Barry was indicted May 9, 2017, by a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, but his legal troubles extend back nearly a decade.
According to U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment details a scheme where Barry allegedly conspired with others to obtain stolen credit card numbers. These numbers weren’t used for lavish spending sprees, but were electronically loaded onto gift cards – a tactic designed to obscure the origin of the funds. The fraudulent gift cards were then used to make purchases at Toys R Us in Wyomissing and multiple Walmart stores, authorities say.
The case took a further twist when Barry failed to appear for a scheduled jury trial on August 31, 2009, effectively becoming a fugitive. For seven years, he remained at large, evading law enforcement until his arrest on December 1, 2016. The United States Secret Service spearheaded the investigation, finally tracking down Barry and bringing him back to face the music.
While the indictment outlines the charges, it’s crucial to remember that these are allegations. Barry is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is handling the prosecution, and the court will consider a range of factors when determining sentencing, should Barry be convicted.
If found guilty on each count, Barry faces a potential sentence of up to five years imprisonment, followed by a term of supervised release. He could also be ordered to pay substantial fines. However, sentencing guidelines are complex. Judges weigh the severity of the crime, the defendant’s history, and the need for both punishment and rehabilitation – meaning the actual sentence could vary significantly from the maximum allowed by law.
The Secret Service, typically known for protecting dignitaries, has a long history of investigating financial crimes. This case underscores their broader mandate to combat fraud and protect the integrity of the financial system. The Department of Justice’s Middle District of Pennsylvania continues to pursue financial crimes vigorously, aiming to hold perpetrators accountable and safeguard consumers from illicit activity.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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