A Pittsburgh resident has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to a car rental fraud scheme involving stolen credit card numbers, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
William Knight, 32, entered his plea before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan on February 2, 2026. He admitted guilt to two counts: access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Prosecutors told the court that Knight was part of a conspiracy in which participants obtained credit card numbers and other personal information for numerous individuals via the dark web. With the help of a complicit employee, Knight and others used these stolen credit card numbers to rent about 100 vehicles. These vehicles were either used by the conspirators themselves or rented out to additional individuals.
Judge Horan set sentencing for May 20, 2026. The maximum possible sentence is up to 12 years in prison and a $500,000 fine. The actual sentence will be determined according to federal Sentencing Guidelines and will take into account the seriousness of the offenses as well as any prior criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting the case for the government.
The investigation leading to Knight’s prosecution was conducted by the United States Secret Service.
