Three Suspects Arrested in Sears Fraud Scheme

Photo: William Hilliard, one of the three suspects arrested. Courtesy of the Hartford Courant via Twitter.com.

Manchester police have arrested three people allegedly posing as Sears employees in a scam that has cost businesses thousands of dollars, Eyewitness News reports.

An investigation began in March after the owner of Alfredos was scammed into giving a fake Sears employee – who was wearing fraudulent credentials – more than $8,000 for 11 new televisions. The false employee claimed he was going to retrieve the televisions and disappeared with the money.

The owner informed police after speaking with other business owners who experienced similar situations that led to the scam. Manchester officials launched an investigation and arrested three suspects.

William Hilliard of Arlington, Mass., was charged with third-degree larceny, criminal impersonation, third-degree forgery, third-degree conspiracy to commit larceny and third-degree conspiracy to commit forgery.

Keith Ryan, of Woburn, Mass., was charged with third-degree conspiracy to commit larceny, conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, and third-degree conspiracy to commit forgery.

Ashley Donofrio, of Sommerville, Mass., was charged with third-degree conspiracy to commit larceny, conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, third-degree conspiracy to commit forgery and possession of PCP.

Each suspect is being held on a $500,000 bond. The investigation is ongoing, and police expect more arrests to be made.

Read the full story at Eyewitness News.