ALBANY, NEW YORK – A Plattsburgh man is facing serious time in prison after admitting to his role in a massive fraud scheme.
Thomas J. Howe, 38, pleaded guilty to fraud and identity theft charges in a Albany court on [January 17, 2018]. The scheme, which took place between October 2009 and December 2014, netted Howe at least $508,053.33 in losses.
According to the United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith, the scheme involved Howe and Jared R. Hudson purchasing personal identification information, including credit card numbers, bank account numbers, expiration dates, security codes, and answers to security questions.
Howe used this information to electronically purchase goods and fraudulently transfer funds between October 2009 and December 2014. He initially used stolen credit card numbers to order merchandise online, which was then shipped to him. He also used other people’s personal identification information to sign up for credit cards and open investment accounts in his name, which were funded with money taken from other people’s bank accounts.
The fraud scheme was investigated by the FBI and the Plattsburgh Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer is prosecuting the case.
Howe has been detained on the charges since January 18, 2018. He faces a minimum of 2 years and up to 20 years in prison, as well as a fine of up to $250,000, when he is sentenced on July 25, 2018, by Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn.
Hudson, a former Plattsburgh resident, also pleaded guilty to his role in the scheme and was sentenced on January 10, 2018, to 79 months in prison.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
