Rochester, N.Y. — In a case that highlights the dangers of counterfeit documents, Marcella Samuels, 44, of Irondequoit, NY, has been sentenced to serve two years’ probation for mail fraud.
Between 2015 and 2020, the defendant created and sold forged State of Maine vehicle titles and registration documents to individuals attempting to title and register classic cars.
As part of the scheme, Samuels advertised under the pseudonym ‘Titleman’ in the periodical ‘Old Cars Weekly,’ offering title and registration services for owners of classic cars.
The defendant used the U.S. Mail to send payment and advertising applications to Old Cars Weekly. Individuals seeking to title or register vehicles would mail payments of $300 to $350 to the defendant, who would then forge and mail the documents back to customers.
Over the course of the scheme, Samuels is believed to have collected approximately $292,000 in proceeds from the fraud.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Boston Division Acting Inspector-in-Charge Joshua W. McCallister, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, under the direction of Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder; and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase.
U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced the sentencing, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi handled the case.
Samuels was convicted of mail fraud, and was sentenced to serve two years’ probation by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. on [no date provided].
Related Federal Cases
- Letitia James Blocks Trump Tariffs, New York NY, 2023 · New York
- McFarland, $26M Wire Fraud, USA 2023 · New York
- Campos Cashes In: NY Woman Admits to Bold Bank Fraud · New York
- John Smith, COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits Fraud, Missouri 2020 · New York
- Gary Basralian, Wire Fraud and Investment Adviser Fraud, New Jersey 2024 · New York
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
