Beaver County Man Pleads to Fraud Charges

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Midland, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of access device fraud and identity theft, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Danel Cordero, age 35, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Cordero purchased stolen credit card numbers through the dark web and encoded them onto the magnetic strips of gift cards, which he then used to make unauthorized purchases from businesses in and around the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for January 26, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than twelve years in prison, a fine not to exceed $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Court ordered that Cordero remain on bond pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

This case resulted from the investigations of multiple agencies, including the Beaver Borough Police Department, the United States Secret Service, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.