Man sentenced for using credit card skimming devices at area grocery stores

A man has been sentenced to federal prison for stealing credit card numbers at several local grocery stores.

Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson says that 40-year-old Yosniel Sotomayor Rodriguez of Miami, Florida, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to unlawfully use a counterfeit access device. Following his prison term, Rodriguez will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to Rodriguez’s plea agreement and other court records, in May 2024, a regional grocery store chain discovered that four card skimming devices had been installed on credit card machines at stores in Montgomery, Prattville and Millbrook.

Approximately 221 card numbers were stolen.

Davidson says the investigation revealed that Rodriguez entered the stores and used distractions to conceal his installation of the devices over the payment terminals without detection. The devices were discovered and removed before any stolen account information could be used.

Rodriguez pleaded guilty last October.

“Card skimming devices are designed to blend in, but consumers can protect themselves by staying alert,” Davidson says.

“Before inserting or swiping your card, take a moment to inspect the card reader. If the keypad feels loose, the card slot appears bulky or misaligned, or any part of the machine appears tampered with, do not use it. Consumers should also monitor their bank statements regularly for unauthorized transactions. I am grateful for the swift work of law enforcement and store personnel whose quick actions led to the removal of the devices before any stolen financial information could be used to harm unsuspecting victims.”

— Information from the Office of the U.S. Attorney, Middle District of Alabama

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