Columbus, Ohio residents plead guilty to transporting stolen items across state lines

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kionte K. Whatley, 19, and Kasie A. Morgan, 24, both of Columbus, Ohio pled guilty to transporting stolen goods across state lines, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Whatley and Morgan each pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Transport Stolen in Interstate Commerce.” They admitted to conspiring to steal primarily smart phones, tablets, head phones, games stations, and computers from Walmart, Target, and Meijer stores in eight different states, including West Virginia and Ohio. The value of the stolen goods are estimated to be in excess of $500,000.

They face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Columbus, Ohio Police Department investigated.

Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.