Homberto Machin Morejon, Access Fraud, Florida 2023

ORLANDO, FL – Homberto Machin Morejon, 38, of Hialeah, Florida, has admitted to a sweeping credit card fraud scheme that impacted over 2,000 individuals, according to federal prosecutors. Morejon pleaded guilty this week to possessing 15 or more counterfeit and unauthorized access devices, and aggravated identity theft – charges that could land him behind bars for over a decade.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the plea, stemming from a November 2019 investigation by U.S. Secret Service (USSS) agents and the USSS Financial Crimes Task Force. Agents initially spotted Morejon at a Cocoa gas station, suspiciously shuffling a stack of white cards and passing them to others near the fuel pumps. A subsequent search revealed 36 re-encoded gift cards, each carrying the stolen credit or debit card information of unsuspecting victims.

The operation didn’t stop at the gas station. A search of Morejon’s vehicle turned up another 64 re-encoded gift cards and a laptop. Forensic analysis of the laptop exposed the personal financial data of approximately 1,350 individuals. Authorities then raided Morejon’s Orlando residence in January 2020, uncovering a digital treasure trove of stolen data: another 17 gift cards, multiple phones, thumb drives, an external hard drive, and even a diesel fuel hose alongside reproduced gas pump security stickers. The search also revealed ledgers indicating suspected illicit diesel fuel sales.

The digital forensics painted a damning picture. The external hard drive contained the names and account numbers of roughly 690 more individuals, while a single thumb drive yielded data on another 250. Combined with the information found on the laptop and gift cards, Morejon was found to be in possession of the financial details of over 2,000 people. The USSS believes Morejon was using the stolen information to fraudulently purchase goods and services, potentially including diesel fuel, though the full scope of the scheme remains under investigation.

Morejon is facing a potential sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison for the access device fraud charge. Adding to that, he’s also staring down a mandatory minimum of 2 years in prison for the aggravated identity theft charge, to be served consecutively. His sentencing is scheduled for September 12, 2023. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Terry B. Livanos, with crucial investigative work performed by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office alongside the Secret Service.

This isn’t just a numbers game. Each of those 2,000-plus names represents a real person whose financial life was put at risk by Morejon’s greed. The Secret Service, while known for protecting dignitaries, plays a vital role in combating financial crimes that cripple everyday Americans. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing and any further developments.

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