BOSTON – A Springfield woman was indicted today by a federal grand jury in connection with the reselling of stolen goods on eBay and for money laundering.
Mimi Mai, 48, was indicted on one count of interstate transportation of stolen goods, four counts of money laundering and two counts of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity. Mai was arrested today and made an initial appearance in federal court in Springfield this afternoon.
According to the indictment, Mai owned and operated EZ Exchange, a pawn shop in Holyoke. It is alleged that Mai knowingly purchased stolen goods from pawn shop patrons and resold the items on eBay at prices well above what she had paid the sellers. The stolen goods included a variety of household items, such as power tools, electronic devices, sunglasses and beauty and personal care products. Between 2018 and 2021, Mai allegedly earned more than $2.1 million from the sale of items she had listed for sale as “new” on eBay. It is alleged that Mai used her eBay earnings to buy property in Florida.
The charges of interstate transportation of stolen goods and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity each provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of money laundering provides for a sentence of at least 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, Boston Field Office; and Holyoke Police Chief David Pratt made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Springfield Police Department, New England State Police Information Network and investigators from Home Depot, CVS, Target and Stop & Shop. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Catherine Curley and Deepika Bains Shukla of Rollins’ Springfield Branch Office are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.