Mexican Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing 31 Counterfeit Credit and Bank Cards

McALLEN, Texas – Alfredo Alejandro Alvarez-Mendicuti, 35, of Mexico, has entered a plea of guilty to possessing 31 counterfeit credit and bank cards with the intent to defraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

Alvarez-Mendicuti admitted that on April 25, 2014, he possessed 31 fake credit cards and bank cards that he had hidden in his waistband area. The cards purported to be issued by American Express, Discover, Banorte, AFIRME, HSBC, Bancomer, Banco Del Bajio, Banamex and Santander. Officers found the cards after Alvarez-Mendicuti entered the U.S. at the Anzalduas Port of Entry.

He admitted he had purchased the cards in Mexico, knowing that they were counterfeit and fake, so that he could use them to fraudulently purchase items in the U.S.

U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez, who accepted the plea today, has set sentencing for Sept. 18, 2014. At that time, he faces a possible sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison and a maximum $250,000 fine.

This case was investigated by the Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Sully is prosecuting the case.