Jacksonville, Florida – Sierra Marvette Townsend (33, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and payment of restitution to her victims. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, Townsend and others traveled to north Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina to commit fraud involving HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls. Over the course of multiple years, Townsend used five different identities when making fraudulent returns at these stores. These fraudulent returns resulted in the stores issuing gift cards to Townsend and others worth thousands of dollars. After obtaining the store gift cards, Townsend and others typically sold or pawned them.
On February 18, 2020, co-defendant Katrina Monique Morris (39, Jacksonville) pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On July 30, 2020, co-defendant Lashundra Monyett Gibbs (38, Jacksonville) pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Morris and Gibbs are both scheduled to be sentenced on December 2, 2020.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service - Jacksonville Field Office, with assistance from the Altamonte Springs Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
--DOJ Middle District of Florida