NEW BERN, NC – Lamont Devore Hairston, 30, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced to 41 months for masterminding a brazen check cashing scheme. The sentence, handed down in federal court, also includes five years of supervised release and an order for Hairston to make full restitution to the victims of his fraud.
According to court documents and statements made during sentencing, Hairston was the central figure in a conspiracy that relied on stolen mail to fuel its fraudulent activity. He and his associates allegedly pilfered bank account information from the U.S. mail, then used sophisticated check-writing software and readily available check stock to create counterfeit checks. This wasn’t a smash-and-grab; it was a calculated operation designed to siphon money from legitimate accounts.
The scheme involved recruiting individuals to cash the bogus checks at local businesses. These participants, enticed by a cut of the ill-gotten gains, acted as Hairston’s foot soldiers, exchanging the fraudulent paper for real cash. The proceeds were then kicked back to Hairston, completing the cycle of deceit. It was a classic pyramid of fraud, built on stolen identities and the willingness of others to participate in criminal activity.
The downfall for Hairston came in February 2014 when he was apprehended by the Greenville Police Department. Officers found him in possession of a computer and a stockpile of check-making materials – the very tools of his trade. The arrest triggered a federal investigation led by the U.S. Secret Service, with crucial support from the Greenville PD, who initially flagged the suspicious activity.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Gilmore successfully prosecuted the case, presenting the evidence that led to Hairston’s guilty plea to Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud. The Secret Service’s involvement highlights the agency’s ongoing commitment to combating financial crimes that threaten the integrity of the nation’s banking system. This case serves as a stark reminder that exploiting the mail for personal gain carries serious consequences.
While 41 months is a significant sentence, it remains to be seen if Hairston will truly learn his lesson. The victims of this scheme, however, will likely be dealing with the fallout of his actions for years to come. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina vows to continue pursuing those who engage in similar fraudulent schemes, ensuring they are brought to justice and held accountable for their crimes.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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