Sentencing for suspect in Atlanta airport credit card theft ring

ATLANTA (WDEF) – The ringleader of a credit card theft ring was sentenced today in Atlanta.

Prosecutors says Quentin Pickett and his co-conspirators stole credit cards from the secured baggage loading area at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and from a private mail sorting facility.

The cards were being shipped by the Post Office to the rightful cardholders across the country.

The suspects then used them at ATMs and other locations.

They tried to access more than $2.3 million and got away with $1.7 million.

Pickett, from Jonesboro, got more than six years in federal prison.

His four co-defendants got between 5 years to probation for their counts.

“The harm caused to the citizens and financial institutions affected by this ring is substantial,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak.

“People expect their mail to be handled securely, especially within the protected areas of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Pickett led a ring of thieves that circumvented the protocols for secure handling of mail, with no care for those affected by this theft. Citizens must be diligent and continually monitor their own accounts as criminals look for new ways to victimize the public.”

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure the U.S. Mails are not utilized as a tool to defraud victims in these types of schemes. This investigation is an excellent example of a partnership between law enforcement agencies working together and I fully commend the hard work and countless hours put forth by all the law enforcement agencies involved, which resulted in bringing these individuals to justice,” said David M. McGinnis, Inspector in Charge of the Charlotte Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.