Stolen Goods Were Sold On Craigslist,
Two Men Admit in Pleas To Wire Fraud
WICHITA, KAN – Two Wichita men have pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges in connection with stolen goods sold on Craigslist, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Jordan Smith, 23, Wichita, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud. Co-defendant Thomas Griffin, Jr., 21, pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting wire fraud. In their pleas, they admitted 36 people were victims and more than $115,964 worth of personal property was stolen in a series of burglaries Smith committed in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Smith used the Internet to list the stolen property for sale on Craigslist. The stolen goods included building materials and supplies, machinery, appliances, electronics, jewelry, motor bikes and other items.
Griffin admitted he allowed Smith to use his telephone number as a point of contact for persons interesting in buying the property Smith advertised. Griffin knew that property Smith was selling was stolen.
Sentencing is set for Oct. 15. Smith faces a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. Griffin faces a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000. Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
