A New York resident was indicted on April 20 for allegedly acquiring about $167,000 worth of groceries from Hannaford Supermarkets using fraudulent means, according to U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan.
The case highlights concerns about the misuse of technology and personal information to commit large-scale fraud against retailers. The indictment alleges that Clinton Rathan, age 33, placed more than 500 pick-up orders through the Hannaford app over a seven-month period in 2022 by using false or fraudulently-obtained identities and debit or credit cards across New England and New York. After collecting the grocery orders, attempts by Hannaford to process payment were unsuccessful because all cards used were declined.
Rathan was arrested in Brooklyn, New York on April 16 and released on a $15,000 bond. He faces four counts of wire fraud and is scheduled to appear in federal court in Concord, New Hampshire on April 30. According to the indictment documents: "The charging statute provides a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater." The statement adds that sentences are determined by a federal district court judge based upon U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation into this matter while Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen will prosecute the case. "The details contained in the charging documents are allegations," Creegan said. "The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Hampshire enhances community well-being by enforcing federal laws and safeguarding residents according to its official website. The office functions under direction from the United States Attorney General according to its official website and handles prosecutions of federal crimes as well as civil cases involving government interests according to its official website. It also represents the state through federal court proceedings according to its official website, builds alliances with various law enforcement agencies and community members according to its official website, operates as a federal law enforcement entity according to its official website, prosecutes crimes at the federal level while managing civil litigation for government interests—including defending lawsuits against the United States—and collects debts owed federally; it maintains an office location in Concord according to its official website.
Looking ahead, observers will watch developments as Rathan’s case proceeds through court hearings later this month.
