Columbus, Ohio woman guilty of transporting stolen items across state lines

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Marilyn Whatley, 38, of Columbus, Ohio, pled guilty in federal court today to transporting stolen goods across state lines, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Whatley admitted to conspiring to steal smart phones, tablets, head phones, game stations, and computers from Walmart, Target, and Meijer stores in eight different states, including West Virginia and Ohio.  She faces up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Columbus Police Department investigated.

Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.