Mattek Scott, Wire Fraud, Rhode Island 2024

A Michigan man, Mattek Scott, 27, of Flint, has been convicted in a scheme that defrauded a Rhode Island-based retail outlet of approximately $140,000. The crime, which took place from June 2022 to April 3, 2024, involved the use of fraudulent debit or credit cards to purchase merchandise and pre-paid gift cards.

As part of the scheme, Scott and his co-conspirators, including Ariana Asberry, 26, of Flint, would use the fake payment cards to make purchases and then direct the cashier to complete the transaction by pushing the 'Cash tendered' button, without actually paying. The gift cards were then loaded with U.S. Currency, ranging from $199 to $500.

The proceeds from the scheme were used to purchase various goods and services, including hotel stays, restaurant meals, groceries, car repairs, utilities, gas, and convenience store items. The Rhode Island-based retailer suffered losses totaling approximately $140,000.

Mattek Scott is scheduled to be sentenced on November 20, 2025. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Arianna Asberry, who pleaded guilty on November 20, 2024, to a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, was sentenced to time served, three years federal supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $138,633.01.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and Julianne Klein. The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.

Mattek Scott, a 27-year-old Michigan man, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island to a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in a scheme that defrauded a Rhode Island-based retail outlet of approximately $140,000.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ri/pr/second-defendant-convicted-multi-state-retail-crime-theft-scheme