Pa. man going to prison for stealing hundreds of cellphones
A Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to more than two years in prison after admitting he misappropriated more than 900 cellphones, handheld devices and accessories while working for Verizon Wireless.New Jersey’s U.S. attorney says James Hopkins was given a 27-month prison term on Tuesday in federal court in Newark.
The 35-year-old resident of Telford previously pleaded guilty to a mail fraud charge.
Authorities say Hopkins ordered $328,517 worth of Verizon Wireless merchandise in the names of existing customers without their knowledge, while working at a branch office in Trevose, Pennsylvania.
Prosecutors say Hopkins arranged for the merchandise to be shipped to a relative’s New Jersey home, and manipulated Verizon’s computer database to conceal the fraudulent orders. Authorities say Hopkins sold the stolen goods on eBay for a $272,290 profit.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.