A Buffalo resident has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud in a case involving the fraudulent use of credit card accounts, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo.
Angel Valentin-Martinez, 34, entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose stated that between October and December 2024, Martinez worked with Daniel Plata Miranda to access individuals’ credit card accounts at Synchrony Bank using stolen personal information. After passing account verification procedures, they changed the address on the accounts so new cards would be sent either to Martinez’s Buffalo residence or a P.O. Box registered to Miranda in Rochester, New York.
According to prosecutors, Martinez sometimes traveled to Rochester to collect mail from the P.O. Box. The two then used the fraudulently obtained credit cards for purchases across Western New York, including multiple transactions at Lowe’s Home Improvement stores. In total, they used five fake credit cards at six Lowe’s locations for more than two dozen purchases amounting to approximately $13,098.
Charges remain pending against Daniel Plata Miranda.
“The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Postal Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Boston Division.”
Sentencing for Martinez is set for April 17, 2026 at 1:30 p.m., before Judge Vilardo.
