Tampa, Florida - A federal jury has found identical twin brothers Noel Graveran-Palacios (37, Tampa) and Yoel Graveran-Palacios (37, Tampa) guilty of conspiracy, credit card fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Each faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison for the conspiracy count, 10 years’ imprisonment for each credit card fraud count, and a consecutive 2 years’ imprisonment for each aggravated identity theft count. The sentencing hearings have been scheduled for July 20, 2018.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Noel and Yoel Graveran-Palacios worked together, and with others, to place skimmers on gas pumps in the Tampa Bay area. Using the account numbers stolen from the skimmers, they made counterfeit credit cards and then used them to purchase merchandise at area retailers, including gas, toys, clothes, and gift cards. The twins then used the gift cards to purchase merchandise at home improvement stores, and later returned the items for cash. Trial evidence included hundreds of recovered stolen account numbers, as well as dozens of store surveillance videos featuring the conspirators using the counterfeit credit cards. While the jurors were deliberating, the brothers fled the area together, but were later re-arrested in Texas, near the Mexican border.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Tampa Police Department, with assistance from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mandy Riedel.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
