In a significant legal development, Derrick Langford, a 49-year-old California resident, has received a federal prison sentence for orchestrating an extensive ticket scam that reached across the United States, including a notable case involving a Texas A&M football game. The sentencing decision, announced by U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani, serves as a culmination of Langford’s illicit activities and the subsequent investigation that unveiled the depth of his multi-level fraud scheme.
Langford, who admitted guilt on August 24, 2023, is now facing a 24-month prison term, followed by one year of supervised release, as ordered by U.S. District Judge Charles Eskridge. The charges stemmed from Langford’s systematic use of stolen credit card information and false identities to purchase tickets for various events, from sporting occasions to music concerts, across the nation. U.S. Attorney Hamdani emphasized the impact of Langford’s actions, victimizing not only identity theft victims and internet buyers but also the venues that suffered financial losses due to his fraudulent activities.
“For years, Langford engaged in multi-level fraud, victimizing identity theft victims, unsuspecting internet buyers, and various venues, from football stadiums to music arenas,” stated U.S. Attorney Hamdani. He highlighted that despite the perceived anonymity offered by the internet, Langford’s elaborate scheme was eventually unraveled, in part thanks to the efforts of the 12th Man Foundation at Texas A&M University.
During his plea, Langford confessed to utilizing stolen credit card information and false identities to procure tickets, which he later sold on internet-based resale platforms like Ticket Liquidator. The scheme had widespread consequences, affecting multiple venues and individuals. Hamdani underscored that Langford’s fraudulent activities had far-reaching consequences, impacting not only individual victims but also causing monetary losses for various entertainment venues nationwide.
A particularly noteworthy incident tied to Langford’s fraudulent activities involved the Texas A&M football game against Clemson on September 8, 2018. Langford admitted to creating false buyer accounts and utilizing stolen credit card numbers to purchase and subsequently resell tickets to the game. Unfortunately, unsuspecting buyers ended up with invalid tickets, resulting in a 100% loss for Texas A&M University on these fraudulent transactions.
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As Langford’s illicit scheme progressed, it was discovered that he had accumulated stolen credit card information and personal identifying details from over 75 victims within one of his email accounts. The extent of the impact on individuals and institutions alike highlights the severity of Langford’s actions and the need for legal consequences.
Despite being currently on bond, Langford is set to voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility in the near future. The conclusion of this case marks a significant victory for justice and underscores the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation.
The FBI led the comprehensive investigation into Langford’s activities, with valuable assistance from the Texas A&M University Police Department. The prosecution of the case was carried out by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Quincy Ollison and Belinda Beek, who navigated the complexities of Langford’s fraudulent endeavors to bring about a just resolution.
In light of this case, it is evident that cybercrimes, such as ticket fraud, have real-world consequences, affecting not only individuals but also reputable institutions. The successful prosecution of Derrick Langford serves as a deterrent to those considering engaging in similar illicit activities and emphasizes the commitment of law enforcement to safeguarding the integrity of online transactions and protecting the rights of victims.
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