ROCHESTER, NY – Timothy Meacham, 32, of Rochester, NY, is three years removed from a brazen scheme to defraud a Pennsylvania collector, and now faces a three-year probation period and a hefty bill. U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford handed down the sentence this week, ordering Meacham to pay $5,184.00 in restitution to the victim of his coin con.
The grift began in May 2017, when Meacham advertised two supposed United States gold collector coins on Craigslist. Operating under a false name and shielding his contact information, Meacham lured a buyer from Pennsylvania with promises of genuine collectibles. The victim traveled to Rochester on May 15, 2017, and handed over $5,000 in cash for what he believed to be authentic gold coins.
Meacham spun a tale of familial hardship to seal the deal, falsely claiming the coins had been inherited from his deceased grandfather and that he needed the money to cover unexpected funeral expenses. It was a calculated emotional play, designed to disarm the buyer and prevent further scrutiny. However, upon returning to Pennsylvania, the victim quickly discovered the coins were worthless fakes.
The outraged collector immediately contacted the United States Secret Service in Rochester, triggering an investigation that quickly zeroed in on Meacham. Agents meticulously pieced together the evidence, uncovering the layers of deception and ultimately leading to Meacham’s conviction. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Rossi successfully prosecuted the case, securing the sentence handed down by Judge Wolford.
Special Agent-in-Charge Lewis Robinson of the Secret Service emphasized the agency’s commitment to combating financial crimes, even those seemingly confined to online marketplaces. While the sum may appear modest to some, the Secret Service views counterfeit currency and collectible fraud as serious offenses that undermine public trust and can fund other criminal activities.
The case serves as a stark reminder to collectors and buyers: due diligence is paramount. Even seemingly reputable online transactions require careful verification and scrutiny. As for Meacham, he’ll have three years to pay back his victim, a constant reminder that even a well-crafted lie eventually unravels. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Lewis Robinson.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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