Massachusetts man gained RI victims' credit and debit data from ATM skimmers, say police

CRANSTON − A Massachusetts man is accused of installing data-skimming devices on ATMs, allowing him to gain access to the credit-card and debit-card information of customers at two local credit unions.

Cranston's police chief, Col. Michael J. Winquist, on Wednesday announced the arrest of the 33-year-old Springfield man, saying it highlights a significant breakthrough in the fight against digital financial crimes.

Police charged the man with multiple felony counts, including computer-access fraud, intentional access alteration of computer data and conspiracy.

Winquist said Cranston police Detective Sgt. Jeff Chapman, working with the U.S. Secret Service, took advantage of license-plate reading cameras to track the movements of the suspect.

The devices identified the suspect's car at locations close to the crime scenes and also assisted in his capture in Massachusetts, he added.

"This arrest is a testament to the value of our FLOCK automated license-plate reader technology coupled with therelentless efforts of our detectives," said Winquist.

The first reports of the suspect's activities came on March 6, precipitating an investigation that led to the arrest on March 29, Winquist said.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Massachusetts man gained RI victims' credit and debit data from ATM skimmers, say police