A federal grand jury returned a 13-count indictment today against seven Sacramento residents, charging them with conspiracy, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of stolen mail, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
The indictment alleges that co-defendants Steven Khamkeuanekeo, 33, Kay Lee, 26, Chee Yang, 27, Frank Her, 36, Amy Her, 33, Lee Yang, 33, and Tou Her, 36, conspired to use unauthorized access devices at large retailers and stole victims’ identities through stolen mail.
According to the indictment, from July 2014 through April 2015, the conspirators obtained personal information from victims through various methods. The conspirators then used that information to create counterfeit access devices or otherwise used unauthorized access devices to obtain things of value in excess of $1,000. Part of the scheme involved using Target store account numbers to buy large amounts of electronics and other goods at Target locations throughout the Sacramento area. The indictment further alleges that one of the defendants, Frank Her, possessed device-making equipment with the intent to defraud.
In all, the indictment alleges that at least 500 counterfeit and unauthorized access devices were possessed, used, produced, or trafficked by members of the conspiracy, and over 2200 victims have been identified to date as having had their identities or mail compromised as a result of the conspiracy.
This case is the product of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew M. Yelovich is prosecuting the case.
If the defendants are convicted, they face maximum statutory penalties ranging from five to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
SOURCE: U.S.A.O, Eastern District of California