Brooklyn Man Conspired to Purchase $90K in Gift Cards and Merchandise Using Counterfeit Credit Cards

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Brooklyn, New York, has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Corey W. Howard, 25, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in June 2016, Corey W. Howard and conspirators used counterfeit credit cards at multiple Giant Eagle stores in Western Pennsylvania to purchase gift cards and merchandise, which totaled approximately $90,000.

Judge Fischer scheduled the sentence for January 31, 2019 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both at each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Western Pennsylvania Financial Crimes Task Force (WPFCTF) conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of this defendant. The WPFCTF was established as a collaborative, multi-agency effort to effectively combat financial crimes, including identity fraud, in Western Pennsylvania. Partnering in this effort are the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Robinson Township Police Department.