As a recent federal case out of the Southern District of Florida shows, when the stakes are high enough, what amounts to theft from retail stores can expose the accused to years in federal prison.
In the recent federal case, federal prosecutors accused a noted singer and his mother, who also served as his business manager, of wire fraud.
Under federal law, each act of wire fraud can mean a fine as well as up to 20 years in prison. The accused may also have to pay restitution or forfeit property.
Allegations shed light on how celebrity figures shop
Prosecutors argued that the pair would use their celebrity status to get favorable treatment from luxury stores. For less well-known customers, these stores might not even allow wire transfers or might not turn over jewelry or other luxury items until they got confirmation the money was in the bank.
Prosecutors said that the couple would provide bank wiring information that they knew was not correct but get the merchandise on their good word. When confronted about payment, they would neither pay nor return the merchandise.
Local and sometimes federal authorities may get involved if there is suspicion that someone has used an elaborate scheme to steal from a real store. Alleged wrongdoing involving luxury goods at high-end stores is especially likely to get the attention of federal prosecutors.
Those accused of wire fraud in connection with a retail purchase have options
Those accused of wire fraud or other types of fraud in connection with making retail purchases have legal options available to them. For example, they may be able to explain that their behavior was not designed to take property from the store. Other defenses may also be available.