CHARLESTON, S.C. – In a brazen scheme to rip off a chain of home improvement stores, three men from South Carolina have pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy.
Donovan Young, 60, of Hartsville, Aaron Young, 34, of Florence, and James Hoffman, 47, of McBee, face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for their roles in the scheme to defraud Lowe’s home improvement stores.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that the Youngs and Hoffman would purchase discounted Lowe’s merchandise cards from known coconspirators who had fraudulently obtained the cards. But here’s the kicker: the merchandise cards were obtained by stealing merchandise from the home improvement stores and then returning it for new cards using fake identities.
The trio’s scheme was busted by the United States Secret Service and the Charleston Police Department, who uncovered the extent of their crimes. The evidence presented shows that the Youngs and Hoffman were fully aware of the scheme’s illegitimacy, yet they continued to participate, reaping the benefits of their fraudulent activities.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower is prosecuting the case, ensuring that justice is served. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel accepted the guilty plea and will sentence the defendants after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
The Youngs and Hoffman also face a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. Their guilty pleas mark a significant victory for the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation and serve as a warning to would-be criminals: if you commit a crime, you’ll face the consequences.
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Key Facts
- State: South Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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