A New York resident was indicted on April 20 for allegedly obtaining approximately $167,000 worth of groceries from Hannaford Supermarkets using fraudulent means, according to U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address large-scale fraud and protect businesses from financial losses. The indictment charges Clinton Rathan, 33, with four counts of wire fraud after he was arrested in Brooklyn, New York on April 16 and released on a $15,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in federal court in Concord, New Hampshire on April 30.
According to the indictment, Rathan placed over 500 pick-up orders for groceries via the Hannaford app during a seven-month period in 2022. The indictment alleges that he used false or fraudulently obtained identities and debit or credit cards across New England and New York. After collecting the grocery orders, attempts by Hannaford to process payment were unsuccessful as all cards were declined.
The potential penalties include up to 20 years in prison per count, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss—whichever is greater. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge based on United States Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation into this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.
Creegan said: “The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire enhances community well-being by enforcing federal laws and safeguarding residents according to its official website. The office operates under direction from the United States Attorney General according to its official website, handling prosecutions of federal crimes as well as civil cases involving government interests according to its official website. It also represents the state through federal court proceedings according to its official website and builds alliances with law enforcement agencies at all levels along with community members according to its official website.
As a federal law enforcement entity located in Concord, New Hampshire according to its official website, it manages both criminal prosecutions and civil litigation for government interests while defending lawsuits against the United States and collecting debts owed.
The outcome of this case may affect how similar incidents are prosecuted going forward.
