A Michigan resident has admitted guilt in a federal court in Rhode Island for his involvement in a retail theft scheme that targeted a Rhode Island-based retailer and resulted in losses of about $140,000. Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom announced the plea.
According to court documents, Mattek Scott, 27, of Flint, Michigan, conspired with others—including Ariana Asberry, 26, also from Flint—to fraudulently obtain money, pre-paid gift cards, and merchandise from at least 35 stores across 11 states. The activity spanned from June 2022 through April 3, 2024.
The scheme involved using fraudulent debit or credit cards to make purchases. When these payment methods were declined during transactions at the retailer’s outlets—including those in Rhode Island—the defendants instructed cashiers to press the “Cash tendered” button even though no cash was provided. This allowed them to load pre-paid gift cards with amounts ranging from $199 to $500.
Scott and his co-conspirators then used these fraudulently obtained cards to buy new pre-paid gift cards at other locations. The proceeds were spent on various goods and services such as hotel stays, restaurant meals, groceries, car repairs, utilities, gas, and convenience store items.
The retailer affected by this operation suffered total losses estimated at $140,000.
Scott is set for sentencing on November 20, 2025. A federal district judge will determine his sentence after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory considerations.
Ariana Asberry previously pleaded guilty on November 20, 2024. She received a sentence of time served plus three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay restitution totaling $138,633.01.
Assistant United States Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and Julianne Klein are prosecuting the case. Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation into the matter.
“Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom announced [the plea].”
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