Stockton, Calif. — A ruthless con artist has been handed down a heavy sentence for her role in a massive credit card fraud and identity theft scheme that targeted unsuspecting Target REDcard holders.
Sequoia Valverde, 33, of Stockton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley to three years and one month in federal prison for conspiracy to commit credit card fraud. The announcement came from U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert.
Court documents reveal that Valverde and her eight co-conspirators ran a slick operation between March 2014 and September 2014, stealing personal identification information from victims and using it to create REDcard accounts and churn out counterfeit credit cards with magnetic strips. They struck fear into the hearts of consumers by purchasing electronics, gift cards, and other goods worth tens of thousands of dollars at Target locations across Northern California.
Valverde personally executed 69 fraudulent transactions, victimizing at least 32 individuals. The scam ultimately resulted in over $248,000 in losses, with more than 300 counterfeit and unauthorized access devices being produced. Six of her co-defendants have already pleaded guilty, awaiting their own sentences.
The investigation was a joint effort by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Stockton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys André M. Espinosa and Rosanne L. Rust led the prosecution of this case.
Valverde’s sentence sends a chilling message to those who would attempt to prey on innocent consumers through fraud and identity theft. Her downfall serves as a stark reminder that such crimes are taken seriously by law enforcement, and justice will be served.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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