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Alameda County Resident Charged With Wire Fraud, Mail Fraud, And Interstate Transportation Of Stolen Property
San Jose, California – In a shocking turn of events, Ferdinand Pasion Arafiles, 49, of Alameda County, has been charged with wire fraud, mail fraud, and interstate transportation of stolen property. The indictment, handed down by a federal grand jury on June 23, 2016, alleges that Arafiles, a former employee of a Bay Area public school district, manipulated the company’s warranty contract and service program for the district to receive and sell replacement computer parts to which he was not entitled.
Arafiles allegedly created multiple bogus user accounts using fictitious names or stolen identities, submitting fraudulent warranty and service contract claims to the networking equipment and services corporation. The company delivered replacement parts to addresses designated by Arafiles, which he then sold to customers, obtaining money for his personal use and gain.
The indictment charges Arafiles with five counts each of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343; interstate transportation of stolen property, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2314; and mail fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1341.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. §§ 1341 or 1343, the defendant faces a maximum sentence, per count, of 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 plus restitution, if appropriate. If convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. § 2314, the defendant faces a maximum sentence, per count, of 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, plus restitution, if appropriate.
Arafiles is currently in custody and is scheduled to appear in court for a detention hearing on Tuesday, July 5, 2016, before Nathaniel Cousins, U.S. Magistrate Judge. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Lucey is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Laurie Worthen. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
Arafiles, if convicted, faces severe consequences, including up to 200 years in prison and fines totaling $1,250,000. The case highlights the need for vigilance in protecting against white-collar crimes and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
The FBI’s investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s prosecution demonstrate a commitment to combating cybercrime and other forms of financial misconduct.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Cybercrime|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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