Our Videos

June 9, 09

NEWS / Platte County Man Pleads Guilty to High-tech Fencing Scheme Merchandise Shoplifted, Auctioned on Eba


KANSAS CITY, MO—Matt J. Whitworth, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced a Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to organizing a scheme to shoplift merchandise then sell the stolen property on the Internet auction site eBay.

John Charles Chass, 41, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple this afternoon to the charge contained in a June 3, 2008, superseding indictment.

By pleading guilty today, Chass admitted that he was the leader and organizer of a conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to transport stolen property across state lines from February 2005 through December 2007. Chass recruited a group of “boosters,” who would steal merchandise from retail stores and deliver it to Chass, who paid the boosters for the stolen merchandise based upon a percentage of its retail value. Chass then advertised the stolen merchandise on his eBay Web site known as “stairway to the stars.”

The actual losses to retail stores resulting from this scheme were in excess of $70,000, but less than $120,000.

Six co-defendants have already pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy. Joshua L. Zimmerman, 23, of Kansas City, Stacie M. Emmerich, 34, of Independence, Mo., Barbara J. Sharp, 54, and Michael Dale Ivester, Jr., 28, both of Gladstone, Mo., and Tina Deann Cox, 39, and Daniel G. Moody, 31, both of Gower, Mo., have all pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

In addition to the conspiracy charge, Chass pleaded guilty today to the interstate transportation of stolen property (related to the shipments across state lines of stolen merchandise), wire fraud (related to the postings of stolen merchandise for sale on eBay) and mail fraud (related to stolen property that was delivered by mail).

Under federal statutes, Chass is subject to a sentence of up to 55 years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $1.25 million and an order of restitution. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Cowles. It was investigated by the Career Criminal Section of the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, which also includes agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

 




Testimonials

AnnaMaria Realbuto
Thank you for all your assistance and efficiency...
Read More »
Kateryna Melnychenko
Thanks a lot Anton!...
Read More »
Rani Payne
Thank you so much! I’m sure I will be in touch again with something else that will need to be apost...
Read More »
Serge Bauer Law
Thank you again for your help with this case!...
Read More »



FAQ

Do I need a permit or license for my business?
Read More »
Since when does the Wassenaar Arrangement exist?
Read More »
Is there a waiting period? Can we get married right away?
Read More »
If a student was not in an authorized period of OPT on the eligibility date, can the student work during the cap gap extension?
Read More »






News

April 11, 23
Fleetwood Mac keyboardist and vocalist Christine McVie died of stroke and cancer-death certificate
Read More »
March 27, 23
China joins Apostille Convention
Read More »
March 18, 23
California to permanently seal old convictions on criminal records
Read More »
March 3, 23
Saudi Arabia issues guidance on apostille procedure
Read More »