HOUSTON — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Texas, Southern), published as received.
HOUSTON – A 34-year-old resident of Miami, Florida, has been convicted of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Claude Casimir admitted that in April-May 2019, he and others conspired together in the scheme that targeted the Houston area.
The investigation began in early 2019 after a local bank discovered numerous fraudulent transactions. They found that individuals had used the PINs of actual bank customers and withdrew money via counterfeit cards.
As part of his plea, Casmir admitted he rented a vehicle to access several ATMs in the Houston area and withdrew cash using counterfeit debit cards. He also drove another individual around the Houston area using the rented vehicle to do the same.
Additionally, he admitted that on May 8, 2019, he used a debit card of another individual without that person’s knowledge or consent. In this single transaction, Casmir attempted to take $2,000.
U.S. District Judge Eskridge will impose sentencing Dec. 28. At that time, Casimir faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine for the conspiracy. He will also receive a mandatory two years for the aggravated identity theft which must be served consecutively.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Secret Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rodolfo Ramirez prosecuted the case.
