COLUMBUS, Ohio – In a shocking case of consumer deception, Timothy Stanfield, 47, of Lewis Center, pleaded guilty to intentionally understating the value of lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries he imported from China in order to avoid paying the proper import duty/tax on them, and violating safety regulations by improperly labeling, mailing and shipping the batteries.
Timothy Stanfield, the owner of Ready Made RC, a Lewis Center-based company that sells radio-controlled model aircraft and drones as well as parts and supplies for them, pleaded guilty to one count of entry of goods by means of false statements, a crime punishable by up to two years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. Stanfield also pleaded guilty to one count each of mailing injurious materials, transportation of hazardous materials, and money laundering.
Between October 2012 and January 2015, Stanfield placed a total of 13 orders from a Chinese company, Kypom Technology Stock Co, LTD, valued at $778,395.60. Customs and Border Protection agents inspected one of the shipments in January 2015 consisting of 186 boxes containing 4,007 individual batteries. The declared value was $19,827, which is significantly less than the actual invoiced value of the batteries.
Stanfield agreed to pay restitution of $22,614.74 to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. A sentencing date will be scheduled following a pre-sentence investigation by the court.
“Companies who illegally import batteries and other merchandise with the intent to evade U.S. Customs laws will be held accountable,” said Steve Francis, special agent in charge for HSI Detroit, which covers Michigan and Ohio. “Simply put, when these U.S. laws are not adhered to, lives are put at risk. HSI and our partners will continue to aggressively target and investigate those who jeopardize consumer safety.”
The case was investigated by the HSI and IRS Criminal Investigation, as well as the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the HSI and IRS Criminal Investigation, as well as the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. He also commended Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Marous and Jessica Knight, who are representing the United States in the case.
Defendant: Timothy Stanfield
Criminal Charges: Entry of goods by means of false statements, Mailing injurious materials, Transportation of hazardous materials, and Money laundering
City and state: Columbus, Ohio
Exact Date: Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Sentence or outcome: Up to 2 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000
Dollar amounts: $778,395.60 (total value of orders from Kypom Technology Stock Co, LTD), $22,614.74 (restitution to U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Cybercrime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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