1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Fawn E. Thomas, Public Affairs Specialist

February 24, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Morgantown Resident Enters Plea to Mail Fraud Charge

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - A 29 year old Morgantown, West Virginia, resident entered a plea of guilty on February 13, 2012, in United States District Court in Clarksburg before Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull.

United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced that: JAYNESH PATEL entered a plea of guilty to one count of mail fraud by fraudulently obtaining credit cards in the name of other individuals for unauthorized expenditures in and around Morgantown and Washington, Pennsylvania. PATEL caused at least $70,000 of total loss to multiple victims as a result of his criminal activity.

PATEL, who is in custody pending sentencing, faces a maximum exposure of 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew R. Cogar and was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.