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Two Wichita men face prison time and hefty fines for their parts in a scheme to sell stolen goods on Craigslist, federal prosecutors say.
Jordan Smith, 23, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud for selling nearly $116,000 worth of stolen property to 36 unsuspecting buyers on the classified advertising website Craigslist, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom’s office said Monday. Smith’s accomplice, 21-year-old Thomas Griffin Jr., admitted guilt in one count of aiding and abetting wire fraud in connection with the case. Both men are from Wichita.
In a plea agreement, Smith admitted to stealing items – including building materials and supplies, electronics, jewelry, machinery, appliances and motor bikes – during a string of burglaries from 2009 to 2011, then listing the items for sale on Craigslist, prosecutors said. Griffin, who let Smith list his phone number in the advertisements, was a contact point for potential buyers of the stolen goods. Griffin knew the property had been stolen, according to Grissom’s office.
Smith faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 on each count. Griffin faces the same fine and up to five years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 15.
