Reginald A. DeMatteis, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Charlotte Field Office, and Chief Kerr Putney of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department join the U.S. Attorney’s Office in making today’s announcement.
As Barkley admitted in court today, from at least September 2015 through October 2018, Barkley operated the Tool King as a “fence,” which is a business that buys stolen merchandise from multiple “boosters.” A booster is someone who steals goods and merchandise and sells them to a fence. Court records show that Barkley bought from multiple boosters large-ticket items such as power tools, vacuum cleaners, generators, and home electronic goods, at a fraction of their retail value. Barkley then sold the stolen merchandise on an e-commerce platform at or near ninety percent of their retail value, and used the profits to pay for his daily living expenses.
Barkley entered his guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge David S. Cayer. The interstate transportation of stolen goods charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Barkley is currently released on bond. A sentencing date has not been set.
This case was the result of the investigative efforts of CMPD and the Secret Service. The CMPD and the Secret Service have established a fully integrated partnership to combat the most significant organized criminal groups operating in Charlotte. Through this partnership, this unit has successfully leveraged local and federal resources, personnel, expertise and authorities to identify and combat the criminals and criminal organizations that have the largest negative impact on the community.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny G. Sugar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is in charge of the prosecution.
-- Western District of North Carolina