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Mario M. Valentine Sentenced to 64 Months in Prison for Money Laundering and Identity Theft
SCRANTON – A Schuylkill County man has been sentenced to 64 months in prison for his role in a massive money laundering and identity theft scheme. Mario M. Valentine, 35, of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge A. Richard Caputo on April 5, 2019.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Valentine and his co-defendant, Carrie Aker, laundered over $218,000 of credit card fraud proceeds between January 2013 and May 2015. They used forged credit cards to purchase gift cards and other items, and then sold those items or converted them into cash. The duo was charged with committing nearly $270,000 worth of credit card fraud using forged credit cards that they created.
Valentine was also convicted of using other individuals’ stolen identities during the course of his fraud. The defendants admitted to continuing their fraudulent activities even after being confronted by law enforcement officials.
During Valentine’s sentencing, Judge Caputo determined that Valentine had lied under oath at an evidentiary hearing, warranting an enhanced sentencing guidelines calculation for his obstructive conduct. The judge emphasized the serious nature and extent of the offense, labeling it a ’21st century crime.’
As part of his sentence, Valentine was ordered to pay $269,575.35 in restitution to the victims of his crimes. His co-defendant, Carrie Aker, has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.
The sentencing of Mario M. Valentine serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of committing financial crimes. It is a clear message to those who engage in such activities that they will be held accountable for their actions.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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