A federal jury found Noel Graveran-Palacios and his twin brother, Yoel Graveran-Palacios, guilty on April 24, 2018. Yoel Graveran-Palacios was sentenced on September 4, 2018, to 9 years in federal prison. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Noel and Yoel Graveran-Palacios worked together, and with others, to place skimmers on gas pumps in the Tampa Bay area. Using the account numbers stolen from the skimmers, they made counterfeit credit cards and then used them to purchase merchandise including gas, toys, clothes, and gift cards, at area retailers. They then used the gift cards to purchase merchandise at home improvement stores, and later returned the items for cash. Trial evidence included hundreds of recovered stolen account numbers, as well as dozens of store surveillance videos featuring the conspirators using the counterfeit credit cards. This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Tampa Police Department, with assistance from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mandy Riedel.
-- Middle District of Florida