New Jersey Man Used Counterfeit Amex Card For Retail Shopping Spree

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Oaklyn, New Jersey, has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of access device fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Raymond Hasaan Matthews, 37, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.

In connection with the guilty plea, it was represented to the court that Matthews used a counterfeit American Express credit card in November 2011 at Casa D'Oro Jewelers to purchase two watches totaling approximately $15,605.00, as well as at other stores such as Dicks Sporting Goods and Home Depot where he purchased additional merchandise.

Judge McVerry scheduled the sentencing for January 24, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.