Jones Tyler Martin, Wire Fraud, North Carolina 2020

Raleigh, North Carolina

Two individuals who targeted U.S. Marines in a fraudulent scheme have been sentenced for conspiracy, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Jones Tyler Martin, of Hampton, South Carolina, and Hailey Tykoski, of Wayne, Michigan, were convicted in a case that impacted the United States Marine Corps and numerous victim Marines from North Carolina to California.

On March 27, 2017, Tykoski pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On January 30, 2017, Martin pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

The investigation revealed that between 2013 and 2015, Martin, working with accomplices, created fake female identities on internet dating websites to target and lure young enlisted Marines into virtual relationships. The conspirators induced the victims to take out personal loans from Navy Federal Credit Union. Using the victims’ personal identification, Martin initiated wire transfers of the loan proceeds into other accounts. Martin also withdrew funds using new lines of credit and accounts in the victims’ names, leaving the victim Marines to pay off the debts.

Martin was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment, 5 years supervised release, and was ordered to pay $117,306.42 in restitution. Tykoski was sentenced to 5 years probation and was ordered to pay $42,289.05 in restitution.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of North Carolina treats cases like this one with high priority. There will continue to be vigorous prosecution of those who commit fraud and cybercrimes targeting members of the armed services and veterans.

The investigation was conducted by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Field Office Carolinas, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Special Assistant United States Attorney Mark Griffith prosecuted the case for the government.

In related news, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of North Carolina reminds the public to remain vigilant about what information they provide to strangers and to be cautious of online scams. If you or someone you know has been a victim of this type of crime, please contact the Naval Criminal Investigative Service at 910-451-3600.

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