Charles City, Iowa, Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud in Online Auctions

By Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, Iowa

Feb. 2–CEDAR RAPIDS — A Charles City business owner pleaded guilty to scamming people attempting to buy computers from him in online auctions.

David Martin, 26, admitted mail fraud and wire fraud Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids.

In a plea agreement, Martin said he used eBay to collect money for computers and other electronic equipment. He kept payments without sending products.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian Thornhill said Martin received more than $50,000 through the scheme and had 15 victims.

Martin remains free on bond until sentencing. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

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