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Thieves 'skim' data from debit purchases at gas pumps
French Latrelle Carpenter, 45, who pleaded guilty on Feb. 4 to access device fraud, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison on May 25 by Beaumont-based U.S. District Judge Michael J. Truncale.
According to information presented in court, a search of Carpenter’s vehicle on Aug. 28, 2020, produced four credit card skimmers, a laptop computer, blank credit cards and several birth certificates bearing the names of other individuals. A search of the laptop, pursuant to a search warrant, revealed more than 100 credit card numbers and names along with personal identifying information for three individuals. The computer also contained a user guide for card/magnetic strip reader/writer software, a document related to credit card fraud and an internet search history related to the buying of stolen credit card data.
“Anybody who has ever been a victim of identity theft can attest to how stressful the experience can be and how difficult it can be to get your finances back in order,” said Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. “Identity theft wreaks havoc on the finances of its victims, which can take literally years to repair. Criminals that victimize others through identity theft in the Eastern District of Texas should expect to receive a visit from law enforcement.”