In a significant win for the defense, the Commonwealth withdrew seven counts of Dealing in Proceeds of Unlawful Activities (Felony 1) originally filed against the defendant. These charges carried substantial potential penalties and were central to the prosecution’s theory of an alleged criminal enterprise engaged in multi-state fraud.
Our client had initially faced a total of 24 charges, including multiple Felony 3 counts for theft, access device fraud, and receiving stolen property, as well as one count under Pennsylvania’s Corrupt Organizations Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 911). The charges stemmed from allegations of participation in a so-called “cash tender scam” ring operating across Pennsylvania and neighboring states.
The prosecution alleged that our client, along with two co-defendants, committed numerous gift card frauds at Staples and Giant store locations. However, following investigation and pre-trial proceedings, the Commonwealth elected to withdraw all seven of the Felony 1 counts related to unlawful proceeds, substantially weakening the most serious part of the case against her.
The dismissal of these charges dramatically alters the risk landscape for the defendant and highlights the importance of skilled criminal defense in cases that involve charges related to complex fraud and racketeering.
