Source: Office of United States Attorneys
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Anthony Wilson, 42, of Florence, has been sentenced to 36 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to his role in defrauding a chain of home improvement stores.
The investigation revealed that Wilson, and a known coconspirator, Caleb Hood, would steal items from a home improvement chain store located within the District of South Carolina, and elsewhere, and would then take the items to the counter, claim he wanted to return the item but did not have a receipt and would accept store credit on a merchandise card. The investigation further revealed that Wilson and his known coconspirators would use fraudulent means of identification during the return process. Once Wilson and coconspirators had received the merchandise cards, he would either sell the cards to others or make in-store purchases with the fraudulently obtained cards.
As for Wilson’s role in the conspiracy, the evidence revealed that he fraudulently obtained $122,828 in merchandise cards.
The investigation into Wilson and Hood led to the discovery of three more co-conspirators who would purchase the merchandise cards from Wilson and Hood. Those three men have pleaded guilty and received the following sentences:
James Hoffman, 48, of McBee, was sentenced to five years of probation and restitution in the amount of $80,000.
Donovan Young, 60, of Hartsville, was sentenced to five years of probation. He was also ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $75,000, and restitution in the amount of $75,000.
Aaron Young, 35, of Florence, was sentenced to four months in federal prison. He was also ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $75,000, and restitution in the amount of $75,000.
“We’re grateful for the several law enforcement agencies that worked with this home improvement store to unravel this organized retail fraud scheme,” said Brook Andrews, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina. “The defendants clearly believed they had everyone fooled. Turns out it’s pretty hard to fool the Secret Service.”
“This investigation highlights the value of cooperation between the U.S. Secret Service, local law enforcement, and the private sector. These sentencings serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences faced by those who defraud businesses and individuals in our state,” said Charles Leopard, Special Agent in Charge of the Secret Service Columbia Field Office. “I appreciate the commitment our South Carolina partners, especially the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Charleston Police Department, Florence County Sheriff’s Office, and the home improvement’s stores investigations team.”
United States District Richard M. Gergel sentenced Wilson to 36 months imprisonment and ordered to pay the loss amount of $122,828 in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system.
Hood received a 48-month sentence in May 2023 and was ordered to pay $202,659 in restitution.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, Charleston Police Department, and the Florence County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower is prosecuting the case.
###