PROVIDENCE, RI – Reynaldo Martinez, 25, of Central Falls, Rhode Island, is headed to federal prison for nearly four years after admitting to a brazen scheme that saw him pilfering identities and racking up tens of thousands of dollars in fraudulent purchases. Martinez was sentenced today to 48 months behind bars for his role in the sophisticated operation, which spanned multiple states and targeted major retailers.
The fraud began as early as March 15, 2017, according to court documents. Martinez allegedly harvested personal identification information – including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and addresses – from various sources, including the dark corners of the internet. He then manufactured counterfeit government IDs, complete with his own photograph, to bolster his fraudulent applications.
Martinez didn’t limit his purchases to a single store. He used the stolen identities to open credit lines and make purchases at a dizzying array of businesses, including Sprint Cell Phone locations, Kohl’s Department Store, Sak’s Fifth Avenue, Best Buy, Cardi’s Furniture, Raymour and Flanigan Furniture, and Home Depot. The purchases totaled between $40,000 and $90,000, all of which Martinez had no intention of paying for.
Facing multiple federal charges, Martinez pleaded guilty in November 2017 to four counts of aggravated identity theft, two counts of access fraud, one count each of bank fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, attempted access fraud, and interstate transportation of stolen goods. U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. also ordered Martinez to serve 3 years of supervised release following his incarceration, and to pay restitution totaling $38,126.62 to the businesses he defrauded.
While the U.S. Sentencing Guideline range suggested a potential sentence of 57-71 months, a plea agreement between the government and defense stipulated a 48-month sentence, which the judge ultimately imposed. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by Stephen G. Dambruch, and the Secret Service, with Resident Agent in Charge Brian Deck overseeing the case, presented evidence of the scope and calculated nature of Martinez’s crimes.
The investigation, which led to Martinez’s arrest on May 24, 2017, was a multi-agency effort. Law enforcement agencies from Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Texas all contributed to gathering information and building the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Ferland prosecuted the case. Martinez has been detained in federal custody since his arrest, awaiting today’s sentencing.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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