Conspirator Ripped Off Rhode Island Retail Store, Stealing $140K: Feds

PROVIDENCE, RI — A Michigan man pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiring to rip off five retail corporations, including one in Rhode Island that was taken for $140,000.

Mattek Scott, 27, of Flint pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in the scheme, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a media release.

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Scott and his co-conspirators, including Ariana Asberry, 26, also of Flint, "fraudulently obtained money, prepaid gift cards, and merchandise from at least 35 of the (Rhode Island) retailer’s outlets in at least 11 states, including in Rhode Island," according to the release, which does not identify the company.

The charging document filed in federal court lists four companies it says were victimized in the conspiracy, identifying them as Company #1 through Company #4 and stating they were based in Rhode Island, Arkansas, Minnesota and Illinois. The Rhode Company "was an American retail corporation operating drugstores and pharmacies across the United States of America."

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From at least June 2022 through April 2024, Scott, Asberry and others used "fraudulent debit or credit cards to purchase merchandise and prepaid gift cards," the release said.

"When the fraudulent payment cards were declined, they directed the cashier to complete the transaction by pushing the “cash tendered” button; however, no cash was tendered," according to the release.

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"As a result of this scheme, the gift cards were loaded with U.S. Currency, ranging from $199 to $500,
the release said. "Scott, Arianna, and others traveled to various retail outlets to purchase new prepaid gift cards using the fraudulently obtained prepaid cards. The proceeds were then used on various goods and services, including hotel stays, restaurant meals, groceries, car repairs, utilities, gas, and convenience store items."

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Asberry pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in November. She was sentenced to time served, three years federal supervised release, and ordered to pay $138,633.01 in restitution.

Scott's sentencing was scheduled for Nov. 20.

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