BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Catherine Jarrett, 45 of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit access device fraud, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to 18 months in prison. The defendant was also ordered to pay approximately $481,000 in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney MaryEllen Kresse, who handled the case, stated that between December 2013 and February 2014, Jarrett conspired with others, including Ricky Butler, and her son, Randy 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. The defendant rented two minivans for Ricky Butler to drive to Walmart locations and other retail establishments where the fraudulently obtained credit cards were used to make, and attempt to make, purchases totaling over $570,000. These purchases included $500 Walmart gift cards. As part of the conspiracy, Jarrett and her son Randy Jarrett sold Walmart gift cards for Butler for less than their face value, typically $250 for a $500 gift card.
Ricky Butler was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing. Randy Jarrett was previously convicted and sentenced to 21 months in prison.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of acting Inspector-in-Charge Ray Moss of the Boston Division; and the United States Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Lewis Robinson.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
