West Virginia Woman Pleads Guilty in Coupon Fraud Scheme Targeting Kmart Stores in 25 States

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Martinsburg, West Virginia, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of wire fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Tanya Thompson a/k/a Tanya Wetzel, 38, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, between June 2017 and December 2017, Thompson possessed and used fraudulent mobile device coupons at numerous Kmart stores in approximately 25 states. Thompson used the fraudulent coupons to purchase third party gift cards and prepaid credit cards. The total loss to Kmart was approximately $94,977.50.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for April 14, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 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 prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court permitted Thompson to remain free on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Tanya Thompson a/k/a Tanya Wetzel.