Brooklyn Brothers Sentenced for Counterfeit Credit Card Scheme

PITTSBURGH, PA – Two residents of Brooklyn, New York, have been sentenced in federal court on their conviction of conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentences on William O. Candelaria, 30, and Christopher T. Candelaria, 26. William O. Candelaria received 24 months’ incarceration, three years supervised release and restitution in the amount of $109,485.26. Christopher T. Candelaria received three years of probation and restitution in the amount of $109,485.26.

According to the information presented to the court, in June, 2016, the Candelarias and conspirators used counterfeit credit cards at multiple stores in Western Pennsylvania to purchase gift cards and merchandise which totaled approximately $91,000.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted 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, 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.