PITTSBURGH, PA – Khambrel Coleman, 33, of Johns Creek, Georgia, is facing up to 30 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to one felony count related to a widespread credit card and identification fraud scheme. Coleman admitted in court to unlawfully using counterfeit credit cards and fake IDs to fraudulently obtain cash advances between November 2016 and February 3, 2017.
The scheme wasn’t limited to Georgia. Federal investigators revealed Coleman targeted banks across the country, including a Citizens Bank branch in Pittsburgh’s Shadyside neighborhood. There, he successfully used a credit card number belonging to a Pittsburgh resident to illegally secure a cash advance, further illustrating the reach of his operation.
The U.S. Secret Service spearheaded the investigation, uncovering Coleman’s pattern of using stolen or fabricated financial information. While details regarding the full scope of the fraud remain sealed, the agency’s work was crucial in building a case against the suspect. The Secret Service’s involvement highlights the agency’s expanding role in combating financial crimes beyond its traditional protective duties.
United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti accepted Coleman’s guilty plea and scheduled his sentencing for October 23, 2019. The law dictates a potential penalty of up to 30 years behind bars, a $1,000,000 fine, or a combination of both. The actual sentence will hinge on the severity of the crime and any prior criminal history Coleman may have.
Despite the serious charges, Coleman was released on bond pending his sentencing date. Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo is leading the prosecution, seeking to ensure Coleman is held accountable for his actions. The Western District of Pennsylvania will see the culmination of this case in late October.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of financial fraud. Investigators are urging anyone who suspects they’ve been a victim of similar crimes to immediately contact their financial institution and local law enforcement. The Secret Service continues to investigate and prosecute individuals engaged in such illicit activities.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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