Vanderbilt Woman Pleads Guilty To Defrauding Sprint Communications

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Vanderbilt, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Susan Rowan, 39, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Rowan defrauded Sprint Communications by impersonating a rodeo star. After receiving shipments of hundreds of cellular telephones under the pretense that they were for her fictitious company, she would use them for herself and provide them to members of her family.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for July 2, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 20 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 criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Rowan on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney James T. Kitchen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Rowan.