Flint Resident Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud Conspiracy

News Summary

Mattek Scott, a 27-year-old from Flint, Michigan, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a scheme that affected multiple retail corporations across the U.S. The fraud included stealing over $140,000 from a Rhode Island-based company. Alongside co-conspirator Ariana Asberry, Scott employed counterfeit payment methods to purchase prepaid gift cards, ultimately misusing the stolen funds for personal expenses. Scott’s sentencing is set for November 2025, highlighting the ongoing issue of retail fraud.

Michigan

Mattek Scott, a 27-year-old resident of Flint, Michigan, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with a significant theft affecting multiple retail corporations, including one located in Rhode Island. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the plea, which occurred during a court session in Providence, Rhode Island, on Thursday.

The conspiracy involved a scheme that defrauded five retail corporations, with the Rhode Island company alone suffering a loss of approximately $140,000. Scott and his co-conspirators, including Ariana Asberry, 26, also from Flint, engaged in fraudulent activities that included the acquisition of money, prepaid gift cards, and merchandise. Their illicit operations reportedly impacted at least 35 retail locations across a total of 11 states, including Rhode Island.

The federal court documents identify the victimized corporations as Company #1, Company #2, Company #3, and Company #4, which are based in various states, including Rhode Island, Arkansas, Minnesota, and Illinois. Notably, the Rhode Island-based company operates drugstores and pharmacies that cater to customers nationwide.

Details of the Fraudulent Scheme

The fraudulent activities executed by Scott and Asberry took place over an extended period, from June 2022 to April 2024. During this timeframe, the pair utilized counterfeit debit and credit cards to place purchases. In instances where their fraudulent payment cards were declined, they would instruct cashiers to push the “cash tendered” button without actually providing any cash.

This deceptive tactic enabled them to load gift cards with amounts ranging from $199 to $500 through their fraudulent means. Furthermore, Scott and his accomplices traveled to various retail locations, buying new prepaid gift cards by employing previously obtained fraudulent cards.

Misuse of Stolen Proceeds

The stolen proceeds from their operations were used to pay for a variety of goods and services, including hotel accommodations, dining at restaurants, groceries, utilities, fuel for vehicles, and car repairs. This misuse of funds further underscores the scale of their fraudulent activities and its impact on businesses and the community.

Co-Conspirator’s Sentencing

Ariana Asberry, Scott’s co-conspirator, pleaded guilty to similar charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in November 2024. Following her conviction, she was sentenced to time served along with three years of federal supervised release. Additionally, she was ordered to pay $138,633.01 in restitution to the affected corporations.

Next Steps for Mattek Scott

As part of the ongoing legal proceedings, Mattek Scott’s sentencing has been scheduled for November 20, 2025. The implications of his guilty plea and the substantial losses incurred by the victimized corporations highlight the ongoing challenge of retail fraud and its ramifications on businesses and consumers alike.

Context of Retail Fraud

Retail fraud remains a major challenge for many companies, often leading to significant financial losses. The case involving Mattek Scott and his co-conspirators illuminates the lengths to which individuals may go in orchestrating fraudulent schemes. These criminal activities not only impact corporate bottom lines but can also lead to increased prices for consumers as companies work to recover losses and implement enhanced security measures to prevent future fraud.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Patch: Conspirator Ripped Rhode Island Retail Store Stealing $140K
• GoLocalProv: After Cranston Robberies, Police Make Arrests
• Providence Journal: Former Office Manager Gets Prison for Stealing More Than $560K
• Inc: Thirteen Lune Co-Founder Accused of Embezzlement
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Retail Fraud