Man from Florida sentenced for installing card skimming devices in River Region

A man from Miami, FL has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for installing card skimming devices on grocery store terminals in the Alabama River Region, specifically Montgomery, Prattville, and Millbrook.

Yosniel Sotomayor Rodriguez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to unlawfully use a counterfeit access device on Feb. 25, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson.

“Card skimming devices are designed to blend in, but consumers can protect themselves by staying alert,” he said. “Before inserting or swiping your card, take a moment to inspect the card reader. If the keypad feels loose, the card slot appears bulky or misaligned, or any part of the machine appears tampered with, do not use it."

"Consumers should also monitor their bank statements regularly for unauthorized transactions. I am grateful for the swift work of law enforcement and store personnel whose quick actions led to the removal of the devices before any stolen financial information could be used to harm unsuspecting victims.”

The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service with assistance from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).

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“The Secret Service is dedicated to going after those who aim to exploit our financial systems and target innocent victims, especially here in Alabama where folks work hard for every dollar,” said Resident Agent in Charge Todd Haralson with the U.S. Secret Service Montgomery Resident Office.

“We are thankful for the hard work and dedication of our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners, including the pivotal role played by the ALEA Trooper whose traffic stop set this case in motion. With support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we will continue to investigate, arrest, and support prosecution of criminals who choose to commit fraud in Alabama and across the nation.”

The plea agreement and other court documents reportedly state tat on May 2024, a regional grocery store chain found four counterfeit access devices installed on point-of-sale terminals and that approximately 221 unique card numbers were stolen.

Rodriguez is said to have entered stores and used distractions to secretly install devices over the payment terminals.