Kansas workers plead guilty in $1M conspiracy case

JUNCTION CITY ( KSNT ) – Four people involved in a $1 million fraudulent customer refund scheme in Kansas have been found guilty Thursday.

The Department of Justice ( DOJ ) announced in a press release that several people involved in a $1 million kickback scheme have been found guilty for wire fraud crimes. Four individuals involved in the scheme used to work for Advanced Call Center Technologies in Junction City.

Danielle Thomas with the DOJ says the employees processed customer refunds for AT&T Digital Life home security systems. From December 2016 to August 2018, these employees processed fraudulent refund claims totaling $1 million.

The conspirators deposited the cash into bank accounts of others involved in the scheme who would later send back some of the money in payment. The Kansas conspirators include:

• Kanesha Mercer – pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Sentenced to 14 months in prison.
• Darius Polite – pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Waiting for sentencing.
• Rudy Hunt – pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
• Veronica Kilman – pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

“This type of fraud, put simply is greed driven,” said Stephen A. Cyrus, FBI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge. “These crimes are not victimless, as ultimately costs are passed on to the consumer. This investigation determined that multiple bad actors took part in this scheme, and this plea demonstrates that these individuals are being held accountable for their actions.”

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