Bill Mercer, United States Attorney for the District of Montana, announced today that during a federal court session in Billings on May 21, 2009, before Chief U.S. District Judge Richard F. Cebull, CHAD ALLEN WILSON, a 28-year-old resident of Billings, pled guilty to credit card fraud. Sentencing is set for August 21, 2009. He is currently detained.

In an Offer of Proof filed by the United States, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

In February of 2006, WILSON was paroled from Montana State Prison and returned home to live with his parents in Billings. Just prior to his moving home, his brother R.W. had been living at their parents' home and received his mail there. When R.W. moved out, some of his mail continued to be delivered at his parents' address - including pre-approved credit offers. WILSON filled out several pre-approved credit offers in his brother's name.

In all, WILSON obtained five credit cards in R.W.'s name and charged over $30,000 on these credit cards. WILSON admitted using the money for daily living expenses, gambling, and purchasing drugs and alcohol.

WILSON faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan M. Archer prosecuted the case for the United States.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service.

A copy of the Offer of Proof can be obtained by contacting Sally Frank at (406) 247-4638.

 

 

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