Three Indicted, Arraigned in Fraud Conspiracies

Three Indicted, Arraigned in Alleged Conspiracies to Defraud Land Rover Dealerships

PROVIDENCE –  Three Rhode Island men were arraigned on Friday in federal court in Providence, charged by way of indictment for their alleged participation in a conspiracy to use stolen identities to defraud Land Rover dealerships in Rhode Island and New Hampshire, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.

It is alleged that on April 25, 2022, Dennis Odoom, 24, of Pawtucket, took custody of a Land Rover from a Rhode Island dealer.  That purchase was financed for more than $120,559 with the use of a stolen identity.  It is further alleged that, on May 10, 2022, Roy Sweets, 25, of Providence, allegedly took custody of a Land Rover from a New Hampshire dealership, financed for $111,183, again with the use of a stolen identity. It is further alleged that, two days after the delivery in New Hampshire, a person, posing as the “brother” of the New Hampshire buyer, attempted to take possession of another vehicle after a dealer financing application had been submitted online and approved. That delivery was halted when a dealership employee determined that the driver’s license presented by the buyer may have been altered. Adalberto Mauricio Romero, 25, of Providence, was arrested by Bedford, NH, Police when he appeared at the dealership to take possession of the vehicle.

During their appearance in court on Friday, Odoom, Sweets, and Romero pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The three men were released on unsecured bond. A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William J. Ferland and Paul F. Daly, Jr.

The matter was investigated by Warwick, RI, and Bedford, NH, Police Departments, Homeland Security Investigations, and Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.