Detroit Man Pleads Guilty In Counterfeit Credit Card Scheme
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Detroit, Mich., pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy and unlawful possession of device‑making equipment, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Donald Cochise Hunter, 54, pleaded guilty on June 9, 2011, to two counts before United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Hunter, along with his co-defendants, used counterfeited credit cards at Giant Eagle stores in Ohio and Pennsylvania in 2009 to buy gift cards and merchandise.
Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for Oct. 11, 2011. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hunter.
