NEW ORLEANS, LA – A seemingly ordinary waiter at a Metairie restaurant was anything but, according to federal prosecutors. Ryan Claverie, 37, of New Orleans, pled guilty today to conspiracy to commit access device fraud, a scheme that saw him pilfering credit and debit card information from unsuspecting diners.
Claverie didn’t rely on charm or quick hands to boost his income. He utilized a credit card “skimmer” – a device used to illegally copy the magnetic strip data from cards as they were processed. While serving tables, Claverie covertly captured account details, storing them for later download. This wasn’t a solo operation; Claverie had co-conspirators assisting in the production of counterfeit credit cards.
The stolen data wasn’t hoarded. It was put to immediate use. Claverie and his crew manufactured counterfeit cards, then went on a spending spree across the metropolitan New Orleans area, racking up fraudulent purchases for personal gain. The scheme targeted multiple retail stores and establishments, impacting businesses throughout Jefferson, Orleans, and St. Tammany Parishes, as well as the city of Kenner.
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced the guilty plea, emphasizing the collaborative effort that brought Claverie to justice. The U.S. Secret Service, New Orleans Field Office, spearheaded the investigation, with significant support from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the New Orleans Police Department, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Kenner Police Department. This was a multi-agency takedown, demonstrating a coordinated response to financial crime.
Claverie now faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. He could also be ordered to pay a fine of $250,000, and will face up to three years of supervised release following his incarceration. U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo has scheduled sentencing for May 4, 2017. Assistant U.S. Attorney Loan “Mimi” Nguyen is prosecuting the case.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of credit card fraud. Diners are advised to remain vigilant, monitoring their accounts for unauthorized activity. While restaurants are working to adopt more secure payment technologies, the risk remains, and consumers must be proactive in protecting their financial information. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it moves towards sentencing.
Related Federal Cases
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- Jesus Enrique Gonzales Torres, Access Device Fraud, LA 2024 · Georgia
- Deborah Fortner Indicted for LRHP Grant Fraud, New Orleans LA, 2007 · Ohio
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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