Co-Conspirator Unwittingly Set Up an Exchange of Fake Documents for $60,000 with an Undercover Federal Agent
GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Kari Melissa Morales, 51, of Milford, Michigan, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Morales faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A sentencing date will be scheduled after Morales’s guilty plea is accepted by the District Court.
“Everyone with a cell phone must be vigilant to avoid schemes to defraud that target victims through text messages,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “Make no mistake: The federal government does not send text messages asking for money, advising you to move money to another account, requesting that you convert cash to cryptocurrency, or proposing an exchange of money for a “get out of jail free” letter.”
According to court documents, Morales admitted agreeing with at least one other person to attempt to unlawfully obtain $60,000 from an individual located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Morales admitted that the conspiracy involved the use of fake documents—an “FBI WARRANT OF ARREST” and “IRS RECEIPT”—that she printed out to provide to the victim. Morales also admitted traveling to Grand Rapids, Michigan to exchange the fake documents for the victim’s money knowing that she was helping commit a fraud. For her part, Morales was told she could keep $2,500 of the victim’s money. Morales and her co-conspirator did not know that the person they were communicating with was a federal law enforcement agent because the intended victim’s phone number had been reassigned to a law enforcement cell phone. As a result, the intended victim lost no money in the scheme.
“Today's guilty plea underscores our commitment to investigating and holding accountable those involved in fraudulent activities, especially those who target vulnerable individuals,” stated Acting Inspector in Charge Felicia B. George of the Detroit Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “This investigation showcases the results that Postal Inspectors, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, strive to achieve. We remain dedicated to our mission of identifying and prosecuting those who exploit others through fraudulent schemes.”
The United States Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Michigan State Police, is investigating this case. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris O’Connor.
For more information on preventing elder fraud and help for victims, visit the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative website, which includes a list of Michigan-specific resources. The FBI Elder Fraud website also provides several resources and tips.
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U.S. Department
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