PROVIDENCE, RI – Jose Brens, 40, of Providence, Rhode Island, is facing federal prison time after pleading guilty today to a sophisticated scheme that bilked Home Depot and Lowe’s stores out of over $140,000. The operation involved the repeated use of stolen credit card information to purchase high-value construction tools and building supplies.
Appearing before U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith, Brens admitted to one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and seven counts of access device fraud. Court documents detail a coordinated effort to unlawfully obtain credit card data, then systematically exploit it at multiple locations throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The scheme wasn’t a one-off; investigators found evidence of repeated purchases, often totaling between $1,000 and $4,000 per visit, sometimes on the same day.
The fraud first came to light in September 2018 when a Smithfield, Rhode Island resident reported $2,100 in fraudulent charges on their credit card – all spent at a local Home Depot on construction items and tools. The Smithfield Police Department launched an investigation, quickly realizing this wasn’t an isolated incident. They partnered with the U.S. Secret Service, uncovering a wider conspiracy targeting multiple stores across both states.
The investigation revealed Brens and his co-conspirators specifically targeted Home Depot and Lowe’s, racking up a total of $140,578 in fraudulent charges at just those stores. While the indictment doesn’t specify the full scope of the operation, authorities believe the total losses could be significantly higher, encompassing other potential victims and stores.
Brens is scheduled to be sentenced on March 17, 2022, before Judge Smith. He faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for both conspiracy to commit access device fraud and each count of access device fraud. Following any prison term, Brens will also be subject to a three-year term of supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Ferland is prosecuting the case.
The case highlights the ongoing threat of organized retail crime and the increasing sophistication of fraud schemes. Authorities are urging consumers to regularly monitor their credit card statements and report any suspicious activity immediately. This investigation serves as a reminder that those who attempt to profit from such schemes will face federal prosecution.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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