BUFFALO, N.Y. - Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Randy Jarrett, 45 of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit access device fraud before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney MaryEllen Kresse, who is handling the case, stated that between July and December, 2013, the defendant conspired with others, including Ricky Butler, Tamika Favors, and Catherine Jarrett, fraudulently to obtain and use unauthorized access devices, namely credit cards, without the knowledge or authorization of the true account holders. Co-conspirator Ricky Butler used the true account holder’s personal identifying information and account access information to contact financial institutions and have new or replacement credit cards issued to addresses in the Western District of New York. During the course of the fraudulent scheme, 17 unauthorized credit cards were mailed to properties which were owned and/or controlled by Randy Jarrett and his mother, Catherine Jarrett. Those credit cards were used by the defendant and the other conspirators to make, and attempt to make, purchases at Walmart stores and other retail establishments totaling over $330,000.
Tamika Favors and Catherine Jarrett have been convicted and are awaiting sentencing.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Shelly Binkowski of the Boston Division; and the United States Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Lewis Robinson.
Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 30, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
