Two Florida Men Facing Wire Fraud, Conspiracy Charges
The Secret Service recently arrested two men on charges of wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit access device fraud. The men were using point of sale devices to ring up fraudulent charges on individual’s credit and bank cards. According to the federal criminal complaint, the two men put nearly $1 million in fraudulent charges on point of sale devices. The men are accused of linking the devices to fake companies that were linked with one of the conspirator’s addresses.
The arrest
The men were served a search warrant by Secret Service agents who were assisted by the Broward Sheriff’s Office and Pembroke Pines police. Agents surrounded their home with their guns drawn and SWAT was there as
Neighbors recounted hearing large bangs on the door with police yelling at the occupants telling them it was their last chance to come out. SWAT was there as well.
Wire fraud charges
Wire fraud is a federal crime characterized by the use of electronic means to commit fraud. Fraud is any attempt to procure money or property through the use of deception, subterfuge, or other illicit means. 18 U.S.C. 1343 defines the elements that go into a wire fraud prosecution. It is essentially identical to the mail fraud statute except that it requires the use of an electronic device such as a telephone, email, or the internet to perpetrate.
The four essential elements of wire fraud are:
- The defendant voluntarily and intentionally devised or participated in a scheme to defraud another individual out of money.
- The defendant did so with the intent to defraud.
- That it was reasonably foreseeable that interstate wire communications would be used.
- That interstate communications were, in fact, used.
Hence, two elements comprise a scheme to commit wire fraud: (1) a scheme to defraud, and (2) the use of or causing the use of wire communications to execute the scheme. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. It is also punishable by up to a $250,000 fine. The consequences for being convicted of wire fraud are harsh. Often, the sentence depends on the amount of money stolen. In the case mentioned above, the defendants were accused of stealing more than $1 million from various individuals. They also used an electronic device to deprive other people of their hard-earned money without their knowledge or consent.
Talk to a Tampa, FL Federal Charges Attorney Today
If you have been accused of wire fraud, you will need an experienced Tampa criminal attorney to defend you from the charges. Call The Matassini Law Firm today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin preparing your defense right away.
Source:
local10.com/news/local/2024/07/03/2-men-face-federal-charges-following-secret-service-response-at-pembroke-pines-home/
