⏱ 2 min read
Stalin Acosta Paulino, a 45-year-old Dominican Republic citizen residing illegally in The Bronx, New York, has been sentenced for his role in a complex fraud scheme involving the theft of cash from skilled gaming machines in Pennsylvania and Virginia. Along with numerous other individuals, Paulino traveled to various states, breaking into gaming machines and making off with large sums of cash, which was then transported back to the New York area. The scheme, which involved multiple states and numerous victims, ultimately led to Paulino’s conviction and sentencing. Paulino was sentenced to time served, approximately 35 months, and ordered to pay restitution totaling over $896,000 to dozens of victims.
The investigation, led by the United States Secret Service and the United States Postal Inspection Service, in conjunction with multiple police departments in Pennsylvania and Virginia, uncovered the intricate details of the scheme. The prosecution, handled by Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway, resulted in Paulino’s conviction on charges of conspiracy to transport stolen money in interstate commerce and interstate transportation of stolen money.
Chief United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence, which includes deportation to the Dominican Republic upon completion of Paulino’s sentence. The case highlights the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in combating complex fraud schemes that span multiple states and jurisdictions.
The sentence serves as a warning to those involved in similar schemes, demonstrating the dedication of law enforcement to pursuing and prosecuting individuals who engage in such activities. The restitution order, totaling over $896,000, will provide some measure of relief to the dozens of victims affected by Paulino’s actions.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Pennsylvania
- Location: PA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
