Rodney L. Stevenson II faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted on wire fraud charges for allegedly selling 'Anti-Viral N95' masks at inflated prices online, then never delivering them.
A Michigan man is facing felony wire fraud charges after allegedly scamming customers fearing the coronavirus out of $140,000 by offering them N95 face masks at inflated prices and then failing to deliver.
"The FBI across the country will continue to be vigilant in deterring, detecting, and investigating wrongdoing related to the COVID-19 pandemic," FBI Special Agent Steve D'Antuono said in a statement."Stevenson's alleged behavior was reprehensible. Under no circumstances is it permissible to over-inflate the prices of much-needed safety equipment and then either provide substandard product or fail to provide the product altogether.
Stevenson, 24, faces up to 30 years in prison, 5 years of probation and a fine of $1,000,000 if convicted. He was released on bond after an initial court appearance and is expected back in court on May 18. Authorities say the"Anti-Viral N95" face masks offered by Rodney L. Stevenson II were never delivered despite Stevenson receiving $140,000 in PayPal transactions.Stevenson allegedly made approximately $140,000 in PayPal transactions occurring mostly from February 5 to February 26, when supplies of masks and protective equipment were becoming scarce due to mounting fears over the COVID-19 threat. Feds say the scheme continued until at least April 15.
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