Attorney General Dave Sunday said that three more conspirators have been charged with scamming a Pittsburgh-based organization called “Tickets for Kids.”
According to an Attorney General’s Office press release, Jacob Mazzie, Quan Britt, and Steel City Tickets, a ticket broker firm, pleaded guilty in Allegheny County Court.
Mazzie, 27, made full restitution of $34,119 and will serve two years of probation. Steel City Tickets will pay a $25,000 fine, while Britt, 49, will be sentenced at a later date.
Six individuals and two businesses were prosecuted in connection with the scams, which involved over 22,000 tickets with a total face value of more than $760,000.
“These defendants targeted a charity that provided joyous experiences to low-income and at-risk children and exploited the organization to line their own pockets,” Attorney General Sunday stated. “Defendants pleaded guilty today to felony charges and were ordered to make the organization whole financially.”
Three other suspects pleaded guilty earlier this year, and Ramona Wilkes will be tried on charges beginning June 4. The final defendant, “Hope 4 Johnstown,” is due for trial in August.
For the operation, the conspirators established business fronts to get free tickets to games and other events, which they then sold for a profit.
Mazzie pleaded guilty to felony charges of theft by deception, receiving stolen items, and unlawful use of a communication facility.
Steel City Tickets pleaded guilty to felony dealing in the proceeds of criminal activities.
Britt pleaded guilty to felony charges, including fraudulent business practices, theft by deceit, receiving stolen property, and unlawful use of a communication service.
The cases are being prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Section. Criminal accusations, and discussions around them, are allegations, and all defendants are deemed innocent unless proven guilty.
Leave a Comment