A New London man and his nephew are accused of using counterfeit credit cards, with their own names and pictures on them, as part of a criminal organization that stole more than $320,000 in merchandise and gift cards.
Joseph Ellis, 44, appeared in court Friday afternoon. Court papers accuse Ellis of leading a criminal organization using counterfeit Discover cards at Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods casinos to obtain cash advances at least twice a week over three months last fall.
Ellis, and his nephew, 28-year-old Michael Hyslop, are charged with first-degree larceny, and conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny.
Three men who are already in prison will also face larceny charges, police said.
According to authorities, the men would proved casino workers with fake credit cards with magnetic strips that would not work. Clerks would key in the card numbers, and the users would then show their real IDs, matching the names and pictures on the cards.
They allegedly used the proceeds at businesses ranging from the Cumberland Farms in New London to the Kohl's in Groton. Police say Ellis bought a $1,300 diamond engagement ring at the Kohl's, using gift cards obtained with the cash advances.
Ellis has a history of nonviolent crimes, according to police. He was held on $250,000 bond.
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Hyslop was released after posting $50,000 bond.
