Two Florida men have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a credit card fraud conspiracy that spanned multiple states. Jason Leslie, 26, of Miami, Florida, and Tafari Shaile Lawrence, 29, also of Miami, Florida, were sentenced in federal court in Casper, Wyoming.
Leslie and Lawrence were each convicted of conspiracy for their participation in a scheme to use fraudulently obtained Citibank credit cards to purchase prepaid debit cards at Walmart stores in several states. The Citibank cards were fraudulently obtained by unknown persons using made-up and stolen identity information.
According to court documents, the defendants were given the unauthorized credit cards and traveled to Walmart stores to purchase prepaid debit cards in late June and July 2016. The defendants then wired money to other members of the conspiracy.
The defendants were discovered and arrested during a traffic stop by Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers south of Laramie on July 30, 2016.
Leslie was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl to serve 30 months in prison, followed by 3 years supervised release. Lawrence was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison, followed by 2 years supervised release. Both men were ordered to pay $222,756.08 in restitution to Citibank.
The case was investigated by special agents of the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation with assistance from the U.S. Secret Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Heimann of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming.
Leslie and Lawrence’s scheme has left a significant financial burden on the victims, including Citibank. The total amount of restitution ordered to be paid is $222,756.08, a staggering amount that highlights the gravity of the crime.
The sentencing of Leslie and Lawrence serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in credit card fraud. The public should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Key Facts
- State: Wyoming
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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