Two Men Charged Federally With Access Device Fraud

     The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that a federal grand jury in Scranton returned an Indictment yesterday against Kalvin Rasheem Lopez, 34, Rockaway Park, New York, and Chaka Burgess-Frazier, 36, Tannersville, Pennsylvania, charging both men with conspiracy and access device fraud.

     According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Lopez was also charged individually with multiple counts of aggravated identity theft and fraud in connection with identification documents.  The Indictment alleges that beginning in June 2013 and continuing through November 2013, the defendants possessed and used counterfeit access devices to purchased merchandise throughout the Middle District of Pennsylvania. 

     Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski.

     Burgess-Frazier faces 20 years imprisonment and fines in the amount of $500,000.  A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

     Lopez faces 45 years imprisonment and fines in excess of $1,000,000.  He is in custody at the Lackawanna County Prison.

     Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

     A sentence following a finding of guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.