LOS ANGELES
A former Fairfax District resident was sentenced Monday to 36 months in federal prison for his role in an ATM skimming scheme that stole victims’ bank data to create counterfeit debit cards for fraudulent withdrawals, officials stated.
Sorin-Miguel Ghiorghe, 47, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John F. Walter, who will set a restitution hearing in the coming months.
Officials stated Ghiorghe pleaded guilty in October 2024 to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, possession of unauthorized access devices, and possession of device-making equipment.
Officials stated that prosecutors believe the Romanian national entered the U.S. illegally.
He and his accomplices targeted California Department of Social Services’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) accounts, including CalFresh and CalWorks benefits, using skimming devices to access funds meant for low-income residents.
A search of his apartment uncovered ATM-skimming equipment and stolen EBT account data.
The U.S. Secret Service investigated this case and received significant assistance from the Los Angeles Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Max A. Shapiro of the General Crimes Section prosecuted this case.