A federal jury found him and his twin brother guilty of identity theft and credit card fraud, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

TAMPA – A Tampa man has been sentenced to federal prison in a case stemming from the use of skimmers on gas pumps in the Tampa Bay area, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida said.

Yoel Graveran-Palacios, 37, of Tampa, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison for conspiracy, credit card fraud, and identity theft. A federal jury found Yoel Graveran-Palacios and his twin brother, Noel Graveran-Palacios, guilty April 24. Noel Graveran-Palacios is scheduled to be sentenced Sept.19.

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 U.S. Secret Service and the Tampa Police Department with help from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

U.S. Attorney | Crime | Courts | Tampabay News

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