New Derry Woman Admits Guilt in Fraud Scheme Targeting Victoria’s Secret

PITTSBURGH – A resident of New Derry, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of mail fraud, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Charlene D. Moff waived indictment and pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from September 2013 to March 2016, Moff fraudulently ordered merchandise from Victoria’s Secret using her or her husband’s online account. After the items were delivered, she would call customer service and falsely represent one of the following: that she did not receive the shipment of merchandise, the shipment was missing certain items, or some of the merchandise was incorrect or damaged. She would then receive a credit to her account or a re-shipment of merchandise. The amount of loss to Victoria’s Secret exceeded $30,000.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for October 26, 2017 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Moff.