PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of McDonough, Georgia, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of check fraud, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Adarius Scott, 26, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around May 2019 to July 2, 2019, Scott participated in a check fraud conspiracy where he traveled with other codefendants to various cities, including Pittsburgh, and stole mail from businesses. They searched the stolen mail for checks and created replicas of the checks with the “payee” section left blank. Then, the conspirators recruited individuals with valid identification to cash the checks in exchange for a small amount of money.
Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for July 21, 2023 The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Scott’s bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Scott.