2 New York Men Plead Guilty to Using Counterfeit Credit Cards at Giant Eagle Stores

PITTSBURGH – Two New York residents have pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

William O. Candelaria, 29, and Christopher T. Candelaria, 25, both of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that in June 2016, William and Christopher Candelaria and others conspired to use counterfeit credit cards at Giant Eagle stores in Western Pennsylvania to purchase gift cards and merchandise, which totaled approximately $91,000. 

Judge Fischer scheduled Christopher T. Candelaria’s sentence for July 18, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. and William O. Candelaria’s sentence for July 18, 2018 at 11 a.m.  The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both at each count.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Western Pennsylvania Financial Crimes Task Force (WPFCTF), conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of these defendants. The WPFCTF was established as a collaborative, multi-agency effort to effectively combat financial crimes, including identity fraud, in Western Pennsylvania. Partnering in this effort are the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Robinson Township Police Department.