Romanian man sentenced to 9 months for card skimming scheme

A Romanian national has been jailed for his part in a credit card skimming operation across Mississippi. Antonio Rafaila, who entered the US illegally, received a nine-month prison sentence after admitting to handling skimming devices. Authorities confirmed he will face deportation once released.

Separately, another man involved in the same scheme was given a much harsher penalty. Derrick Lee Williams was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his role in the fraudulent activity.

The investigation began after skimming devices were discovered on card readers in Jones and Madison counties. Rafaila was found guilty of possessing, producing, and trafficking equipment used to install these devices. His sentence also includes a year of supervised release and an order to repay £1,500 in restitution to the affected businesses.

The case was led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi. Multiple agencies worked together, including the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Madison Police Department, Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center, and the U.S. Secret Service. So far this year, Mississippi authorities have recovered 15 skimmers across the state. Meanwhile, Derrick Lee Williams received a far longer prison term. A federal judge handed down the 10-year sentence following his conviction in connection with the same scheme. Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced the outcome, highlighting the severity of the crime.

Rafaila will serve his nine-month term before being deported from the country. The case marks another conviction in Mississippi’s ongoing crackdown on card skimming fraud. With 15 devices seized this year alone, authorities continue to target those involved in such schemes.