LAS VEGAS, NV – A Las Vegas man is headed to federal prison for his role in a widespread gas pump skimming scheme that ripped off thousands of unsuspecting drivers across Nevada and California. Francisco Rodriguez Gonzalez, was sentenced today to 70 months behind bars after pleading guilty to multiple fraud charges.
According to court documents, Gonzalez was a key player in the operation, personally installing at least ten skimmer devices inside gas pumps between November 2018 and June 2019. He didn’t act alone. Gonzalez also assisted co-conspirators in acquiring the devices used to steal sensitive credit and debit card information from customers at the pump.
The scheme wasn’t just about collecting the data; it was about exploiting it. Once they had the stolen account numbers, Gonzalez and his crew re-encoded the information onto counterfeit cards. These cards were then used to make fraudulent purchases and withdraw cash from ATMs, netting the group a staggering $157,695.51. Investigators were able to trace the scheme to at least 3,120 compromised credit and debit card accounts.
Gonzalez pleaded guilty in July 2021 to one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud, one count of use of unauthorized access devices, and the serious charge of aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey didn’t hold back, sentencing him to 70 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. This isn’t the end of the line for the conspiracy, however.
Co-conspirators Juan Luis Sosa Tamayo and Adrian Leyva Tamayo are still awaiting trial, scheduled to face a jury on July 12, 2022. Another member of the group, Danyer Manuel Alarcon Rodriguez, already received a 61-month prison sentence in November 2021 for his involvement. The U.S. Secret Service spearheaded the investigation, highlighting the agency’s focus on combating financial crimes.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Brian Spellacy of the U.S. Secret Service announced the sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Schmale prosecuted the case, demonstrating a commitment to bringing these types of fraudsters to justice. This case serves as a stark reminder for drivers to remain vigilant and check their card statements regularly for any unauthorized activity.
Related Federal Cases
- Danyer Manuel Alarcon Rodriguez, Gas Pump Skimming, NV 2019 · California
- Juan Luis Sosa Tamayo, Gas Pump Skimming, NV 2024 · California
- Danyer Manuel Alarcon Rodriguez, Skimming Device Installation, Neva… · Nevada
- Howard Hsu, Tax Fraud Conspiracy, Nevada 2024 · Indiana
- Sean Christopher Sladek, Investment Fraud Scheme, Nevada 2024 · Washington
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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