Federal Indictment Related to Credit Card Skimmer Found in Newark in 2016
In September, 2016, a credit card skimming device was found on a gas pump located at an Exxon station at 820 South College Avenue in Newark. The skimming device allowed the suspects to receive the card number and pin number of anyone who used the pump to make a purchase. Newark Police Detectives began to investigate the source of the skimmer as that specific skimmer allowed the suspects to take thousands of dollars from victim’s bank accounts. Detectives followed-up and found that the stolen card numbers had been used to withdraw funds at locations in both Delaware and Pennsylvania.
Further investigation revealed that two of the suspects were seen repeatedly using clones of compromised cards. As the suspects were involved in crimes in both Delaware and Pennsylvania, federal agents with the United States Postal Inspection Service, United States Secret Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation became involved and assumed the investigation. Newark Detectives continued to assist in the investigation as the uncovering of the skimmer was the impetus to the discovery of this identity theft conspiracy.
On June 27, 2019, the suspects in this incident were indicted in federal court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for their involvement in this identity theft conspiracy. The suspects face varying possible prison sentences of up to 187 years and more than $7,000,000 in fines.
The United States Department of Justice press release announcing the indictment can be found here.
Weekly Crime Report – 06/26/19
The Newark Police Department continues to see an increase in thefts from parked vehicles. Criminals target unlocked vehicles and members of the public are reminded to “Lock it or Lose it.” Please follow these tips in order to minimize the chances of becoming a victim of a theft from a vehicle:
The following are cases of interest handled by the Newark Police Department between June 17th and June 23rd, 2019:
Burglary:
- On June 17th at about 0029 hours in the unit block of Wyncliff Lane – The suspect attempted to enter the rear of a residence. He was unsuccessful in entering the residence and then removed a piece of lawn equipment from the rear patio. The suspect is described as a black male, 20’s – 30’s and wearing a baseball cap.
Theft from a Motor Vehicle:
- Between June 16 at 1945 hours and June 17 at 0705 hours in the 900-block of Rahway Drive – Unknown suspect(s) entered an unlocked vehicle and removed property from within.
- Between June 16 at 2230 hours and June 17 at 0800 hours in the 900-block of Pickett Lane – Unknown suspect(s) entered an unlocked vehicle and removed property from within.
- Between June 16 at 2000 hours and June 17 at 1030 hours in the 100-block of Odessa Way – Unknown suspect(s) entered a possibly unlocked vehicle and removed property from within.
- Between June 16 and June 17 in the 700-block of Colgate Lane – Unknown suspect(s) entered a possibly unlocked vehicle and moved property. Nothing appeared to be missing.
- On June 19 between 0800 and 0815 hours in the 200-block of West Chestnut Hill Road – Unknown suspect(s) broke the window to victim’s vehicle and removed property from within.
- Between June 20 at 2200 hours and June 21 at 0930 hours in the unit block of West Village Road – Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s vehicle by unknown means and removed property from within.
- On June 23 at 2154 hours in the unit block of Donna Drive – A white male, 6’0″ – 6’2″, thin build and wearing a black shirt, grey shorts and grey or dark sneakers was observed walking up a driveway and attempting to enter a vehicle. The suspect was unable to enter the vehicle and fled without obtaining any property.
Drug Overdose:
- On June 20 at 0702 hours in the 3100-block of Millstone Drive – Officers were dispatched to a residence for a report of a drug overdose. The 55 year-old male victim was found at the scene in cardiac arrest. Newark Officers administered Naloxone while also performing CPR. Care of the victim was transferred to Aetna HHL EMT’s and New Castle County Paramedics. The victim was unable to be revived and was pronounced deceased at the scene.