Leader of Credit Card Fraud Ring Sentenced

A Westland man was sentenced to 60 months in prison today for having organized and executed an elaborate credit card fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider announced.

Schneider was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Timothy R. Slater, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division.

According to courts records, Carlton O. Bankhead, 28, designed a scheme to fraudulently purchase, and then resell, merchandise from retailers using stolen credit card information. Bankhead and his crew defrauded retailers throughout the State of Michigan of approximately $90,000 for over a year.

Bankhead, who has over a dozen prior state criminal convictions, including three prior felony convictions for access device fraud, has never previously been sentenced to a term of imprisonment.

“Credit card fraud and identity theft hurt both innocent citizens and local businesses. These crimes throw lives into chaos and cause immense financial damage,” stated United States Attorney Matthew Schneider. “Those who might be tempted to engage in such conduct should know they risk federal prosecution and lengthy imprisonment.”

Bankhead was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul D. Borman. Judge Borman also ordered Bankhead to pay restitution to the victims of his fraud.

The case was investigated by the Michigan State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Yahkind.