Mexican Pair Indicted In Debit/Credit Card Conspiracy

McALLEN, Texas – A federal grand jury has returned a four-count indictment against Mary Vaquera-Garcia, 27, and Daniel Dominguez-Guardiola, 28, alleging a conspiracy to use debit/credit cards with the intent to defraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

Vaquera-Garcia and Dominguez-Guardiola, both of Mexico, allegedly wired thousands of dollars overseas to purchase stolen account information in order to create counterfeit debit/card cards. According to the charges, the cards had account numbers belonging mostly to Hidalgo County residents. The defendants then allegedly used the counterfeit cards to purchase high-end electronics - such as iPads, iPods and Macbook laptops - at local stores including Best Buy, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Toys-R-Us and HEB. In particular, subsequent investigation revealed the defendants went on a $30,000 shopping spree on Jan. 12 using the counterfeit cards, according to the allegations.

Vaquera-Garcia and Dominguez-Guardiola were arrested Jan. 19, 2014, on several outstanding warrants as they attempted to re-enter the U.S. through the Anzalduas Port of Entry. A total of 96 counterfeit cards were allegedly found hidden in Dominguez-Guardiola’s waistband.

If convicted, they face up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine on each count. 

Both have been ordered to remain in custody pending further criminal proceedings.

This case was investigated by the Secret Service with the assistance of the McAllen Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Sully is prosecuting the case.

A complaint or indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.