United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

NEW HAVEN MAN CHARGED WITH MAIL AND CREDIT CARD FRAUD

Kevin J. O’Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in New Haven has returned a two-count Indictment charging JUAN A. RODRIGUEZ, age 27, of New Haven, Connecticut, with one count of mail fraud and one count of credit card fraud.  The Indictment was returned on August 30, 2007.

As alleged in the Indictment, RODRIGUEZ engaged in a scheme to order online  merchandise using credit card numbers not assigned to him and without the card holders’ authorization.  RODRIGUEZ caused the ordered items to be delivered from outside the State of Connecticut to various New Haven addresses by FedEx.

On August 13, 2007, RODRIGUEZ was arrested on a criminal complaint alleging these offenses.  On August 15, RODRIGUEZ was released on a $100,000 bond.

If convicted, RODRIGUEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and fine of up to $250,000 on the mail fraud count, and a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000 on the credit card fraud count.

U.S. Attorney O’Connor stressed that an indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt.  Each defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is being investigated by the United States Secret Service and the United States Postal Inspection Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael S. McGarry.

CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov