Crime & Safety
Providence Man Admits To $140K Home Depot, Lowes Scheme
Using stolen credit card information, Jose Brens and others bought tools and other home improvement supplies from stores in RI and MA.
PROVIDENCE, RI — A Providence man admitted to stealing more than $140,000 from Lowes and Home Depot stores in the area, the Department of Justice said.
According to Rhode Island U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha's Office, 40-year-old Jose Brens pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit access device fraud and seven counts of access device fraud.
Brens told the court that he and others used fraudulent credit card information to buy tools and home improvement supplies from At least six Lowes and Home Depot stores in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. In total, he defrauded the businesses out of $140,578.
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According to Cunha's Office, a Smithfield resident reported fraudulent credit card activity to police in September 2018. The man's card was used to make a $2,100 purchase at a nearby Home Depot. During the investigation, the U.S. Secret Service determined that Brens and the other members of the scheme made purchases between $1,000 and $4,000, sometimes several in one day.
Brens is set to be sentenced March 17. The charges carry a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
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