Greenwich, CT – Three men from Brooklyn, New York, are facing a barrage of charges following their arrest earlier this month in connection with a credit card fraud scheme, authorities say. The arrests, made by Greenwich Police on March 3rd, highlight a growing concern over organized retail crime and the increasing sophistication of fraudulent activity targeting personal financial information. The incident underscores the vulnerability of consumers to identity theft and the challenges law enforcement faces in combating these types of crimes.
The investigation began when plainclothes officers observed Eric Kendere Shuler, 33, entering a high-end retail store on Greenwich Avenue, according to police reports. Officers recognized Shuler from a previous theft investigation, prompting closer scrutiny. He was accompanied by Michael Moore, 32, and the pair’s behavior quickly raised suspicions of potential credit card fraud. The two men then returned to a vehicle where a third individual, Tevon Elijah Fleming, 30, was waiting.
Attempted Fraud and Subsequent Pursuit
Police allege that one of the individuals attempted to apply stolen credit card information to make purchases exceeding $2,000 on two separate occasions, but the transactions were declined. Moore and Shuler then allegedly attempted a similar purchase using a different victim’s stolen card, also for over $2,000. The attempted transactions triggered an investigation that quickly escalated when Fleming, who was driving the vehicle, allegedly attempted to evade police, initiating a pursuit. All three men were eventually apprehended by multiple police units.
A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a significant amount of evidence, including several re-encoded credit cards and numerous stolen credit and debit cards along with corresponding account statements. This discovery suggests a broader operation involving organized mail theft and fraud, police stated. Re-encoding involves transferring the magnetic stripe data from a stolen card onto a new card, allowing criminals to make unauthorized purchases.
Charges Filed and Bond Information
Moore and Shuler are each charged with 27 counts of Payment Card Theft and 27 counts of Conspiracy to Commit Payment Card Theft. Moore was unable to post a $50,000 bond and is currently awaiting his next court date at Stamford Superior Court. Shuler posted a $250,000 bond and has a scheduled court appearance on March 18th. CTLawHelp.org provides information about the Connecticut court system and legal resources.
Fleming, in addition to 27 counts of Payment Card Theft and 27 counts of Conspiracy to Commit Payment Card Theft, faces charges of Engaging Police in Pursuit and Interfering with Officer/Resisting. Police also discovered a counterfeit New Jersey driver’s license in his possession. His bond was set at $200,000, and he appeared in Stamford Superior Court alongside Shuler on March 18th.
Upcoming Court Dates and Continued Investigation
According to the Connecticut Judicial Branch website, Moore and Fleming are now scheduled to return to court on April 27th. Shuler has two upcoming court dates: April 1st, related to a separate incident in Greenwich on March 18th involving charges of Larceny 3, Attempted Larceny 3, and Identity Theft 3, and April 29th for the charges stemming from the March 3rd incident. The Connecticut Judicial Branch website provides access to case information and court schedules: https://www.ctcourts.gov/.
The Greenwich Police Department has not released details regarding the number of victims impacted by this alleged scheme, nor the total value of the attempted fraudulent purchases. However, the volume of stolen cards and the nature of the charges suggest a potentially widespread operation. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are working to identify any additional individuals involved and to determine the full extent of the fraud.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of regularly monitoring credit reports and bank statements for any unauthorized activity. Consumers can obtain free credit reports annually from each of the three major credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion – through AnnualCreditReport.com. Protecting personal financial information and promptly reporting any suspected fraud are crucial steps in preventing identity theft.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about ongoing legal proceedings. The charges against the individuals mentioned are allegations, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This information is not intended as legal advice.
The next scheduled court appearance for Moore and Fleming is April 27th, where further details of the case are expected to be discussed. We will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they grow available. Share your thoughts on this case in the comments below, and please share this article with others who may be interested in staying informed.
