BUFFALO, N.Y. – Jorge Alberto Alvarez, a 35-year-old hailing from the sun-soaked streets of Miami, Florida, isn’t enjoying the upstate New York weather. He pleaded guilty today to bank fraud, admitting to a cold, calculated scheme that ripped off dozens of unsuspecting customers. U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced the guilty plea, setting the stage for a potentially lengthy prison sentence.
The scheme, unfolding between October 10, 2017, and October 10, 2018, centered on the insidious practice of installing skimming devices inside gas pumps. These weren’t your run-of-the-mill gadgets; Alvarez and his crew were sophisticated enough to compromise the bank card information of 131 individuals. Banks hit included heavy hitters like Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, and SunTrust – a clear indication this wasn’t a small-time operation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango laid out the details: Alvarez didn’t just steal the data, he used it. He manufactured 93 counterfeit access devices – essentially fake debit and credit cards – and deployed them to fraudulently drain funds from the compromised accounts. The total loss tallied up to approximately $57,000.00, a significant dent in the wallets of ordinary people.
The jig was up on October 10, 2017, when Alvarez attempted to cross the border at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry. Customs agents weren’t impressed with his luggage – it contained the 93 counterfeit cards, 16 gas pump skimming devices, a card reader/encoder with a modified USB cable, and a host of other tools of the trade. It was a one-stop shop for financial crime.
The investigation, spearheaded by the United States Secret Service under Special Agent in Charge Lewis Robinson, built a solid case against Alvarez. He now faces a maximum penalty of 30 years behind bars and a $1,000,000 fine. The sentencing is scheduled for August 28, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. Expect a harsh sentence; the feds don’t take kindly to those who prey on the financial security of others.
Alvarez’s case serves as a stark reminder that even everyday activities – like filling up your gas tank – can leave you vulnerable to criminal exploitation. Stay vigilant, check your bank statements regularly, and report any suspicious activity. This wasn’t just a crime; it was a violation of trust, and Alvarez will now pay the price.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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