COLUMBUS, Ohio – Jeremie Adam Elkins, 44, of Newark, Ohio, was indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly causing approximately $1 million in fraud while employed as a network engineer at Verizon, Inc.
It is also alleged Elkins illegally possessed a firearm after previously being convicted of a felony crime.
According to the 16-count indictment, from July to October 2020, Elkins used his company-issued credit card to pay for personal expenses like hotels/resorts, restaurants, bars, pawn shops and auction houses. Elkins had been employed as a Network Engineer at Verizon.
Elkins also allegedly used an old Verizon work order number to place multiple fraudulent orders with vendor W.W. Grainger, Inc. Grainger provides tools and equipment for Verizon service vans.
It is alleged Elkins placed 46 unauthorized orders to Grainger and personally picked up the majority of the equipment, which totaled approximately $936,000. He allegedly used the illicit proceeds to purchase two boats and a motorcycle.
Court documents detail the defendant placed an additional 20 unauthorized orders to Grainger, for items totaling nearly $954,000, but never obtained the equipment.
Elkins is alleged to have caused $24,000 in loss to Verizon and more than $936,000 in loss to W.W. Grainger.
When he was arrested in August 2021, Elkins allegedly illegally possessed a pistol. Elkins was previously convicted of a felony crime in Licking County.
Elkins is charged with 10 counts of wire fraud, five counts of access device fraud and one count of possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony crime.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the charges and commended the investigation by the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Brenda S. Shoemaker is representing the United States in this case.
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