CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Charleston couple was sentenced in federal court Wednesday for their roles in a conspiracy to commit mail fraud after stealing retail merchandise valued at nearly $80,000.
U.S. District Judge Thomas Johnston sentenced Lisa A. Knotts, 33, and her husband, Ross A. Knotts, 42, to three months each in prison, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release, according to a report from the U.S. Attorney’s office.
They were also ordered to pay $78,530 in restitution.
In September, the couple pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud after they were caught selling shoplifted merchandise, such as diabetic test strips, computer accessories and other expensive retail items.
According to the United States Postal Inspection Service, which investigated the crime, Lisa and Ross Knotts took their young children to various Target stores in West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana and instructed them to help hide the items in their shopping carts and strollers.
The couple then sold the stolen goods online using Lisa Knotts’ eBay account, and mailed the items to the auction winners.
“This was not an isolated incident. It was not simply to make ends meet,” said U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin, who is handling the prosecution. “These defendants traveled interstate, used eBay and the U.S. Mails more than 900 times and used their children in a significant criminal enterprise.”
At Wednesday’s sentencing, Johnson characterized the couple’s conduct as “unfortunate and immoral,” telling them that their children were equally victimized by their conduct.
For the safety and security of their children, the judge ruled Lisa and Ross Knotts were allowed to serve their prison terms separately.
Ross Knotts has been ordered to report to the custody of the United States Marshal on Jan. 17. Lisa Knotts will be allowed to begin serving her sentence following her husband’s release.
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Category: Prison Time