Williamsville Woman Pleads Guilty to Credit Card Fraud

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today Christine Whitney, 35, of Williamsville, N.Y., pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara to using an unauthorized access device. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross., who handled the case, stated that between January 20, 2012 and March 15, 2012, Whitney fraudulently obtained a Discover credit card in the name of another person who resided outside New York State. The defendant then used the card to make unauthorized ATM withdrawals at local area banks and unauthorized purchases at various retail stores in the Western District of New York. Whitney illegally obtained cash and merchandise totaling approximately $8,000.

The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Kevin Niland.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 13, 2013 at 12:30 p.m. before Judge
Arcara.