Related Federal Cases
- Nicole Hilstolsky, Theft, Pennsylvania 2018 · Pennsylvania
- Marquis Williams Sentenced to Mail Theft, Hartford CT, 2023 · Puerto Rico
- Nicole Hilstolsky Sentenced for Embezzlement, Pennsylvania, 2018 · Pennsylvania
- Nicole Hilstolsky, Armed Robbery, Pennsylvania 2023 · Pennsylvania
- Irina Segal, Medicare Billing for Unrendered Services, Pennsylvania 2001 · Alabama
Philadelphia Man Sentenced for Diesel Fuel Theft and Firearms Possession
PHILADELPHIA – In a shocking case of fuel theft and firearms possession, William Cole, 32, of Philadelphia, was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Gerald A. McHugh.
Cole’s scheme involved purchasing stolen credit card data and having co-conspirators fill up auxiliary tanks at Philadelphia-area gas stations with more than $750,000 worth of diesel fuel. He would then resell the diesel fuel at a discounted rate.
The defendant pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. Cole had previously been convicted of state drug and gun offenses in Pennsylvania and was not permitted to be in possession of firearms.
On June 26, 2023, during a court-authorized search of Cole’s residence, Homeland Security Investigations recovered a Smith and Wesson semi-automatic pistol loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition and a Glock 27, which had been modified with a conversion kit into a fully automatic pistol.
“Cole fueled his scheme using other people’s stolen information and armed himself with guns he knew he shouldn’t have,” said U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero. “This sentence holds him accountable for both his financial and firearms offenses. We’ll continue to work with HSI and our other valued partners to prosecute repeat offenders like William Cole.”
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia’s El Dorado – Cyber Crimes Investigations Task Force (C2iTF) and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Josh A. Davison.
Mandatory Facts:
- Defendant: William Cole
- Criminal Charges: one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon
- City and State: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Date: October 2023 (plea), June 26, 2023 (search)
- Sentence: 70 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release
- Dollar Amount: $750,000
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News