Licking County man sentenced to prison for committing $1.5 million in fraud

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Jeremie Adam Elkins, 46, of Newark, Ohio, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 43 months in prison for causing more than $1.5 million in fraud in connection with access devices. Elkins committed wire fraud and illegally possessed a firearm after previously being convicted of a felony crime.

According to court documents, from July to October 2020, Elkins used his Verizon company-issued credit card to pay for personal expenses like hotels/resorts, restaurants, bars, pawn shops and auction houses. Elkins had been employed as a Network Engineer at Verizon, Inc.

Elkins also used an old Verizon work order number to place multiple fraudulent orders with vendor W.W. Grainger, Inc. Grainger provides tools and equipment for Verizon service vans.

Elkins placed 46 unauthorized orders to Grainger and personally picked up most of the equipment, which totaled approximately $936,000. He used the illicit proceeds to purchase two boats and a motorcycle.

The defendant placed an additional 20 unauthorized orders to Grainger, for items totaling nearly $954,000, but never obtained the equipment.

As part of his sentence, Elkins will pay nearly $24,000 in restitution to Verizon and more than $936,000 in restitution to Grainger.

When he was arrested in August 2021, Elkins illegally possessed a pistol and admitted to investigators that he has sold 15 to 20 firearms. Elkins was previously convicted of a felony crime in Licking County, prohibiting him from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. and commended the investigation by the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Brenda S. Shoemaker is representing the United States in this case.

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