Spring man accused in massive credit, debit theft

SPRING, TX (KTRK) -- A Secret Service investigation has led to the indictment of Darnell Wayne Menard, 28, of Spring. He faces three federal charges alleging that he used or possessed more than 900 stolen debit and credit card numbers.

Menard was arrested yesterday and is expected to make his initial appearance before a judge today.

The indictment charges Menard with one count of trafficking in unauthorized "access devices" (stolen credit and debit card numbers), one count of possessing unauthorized access devices and one count of conspiracy.

Menard and others allegedly purchased, via the Internet, information about stolen debit and credit cards issued by credit unions and banks in various countries, including the United States, Columbia, Sweden and Canada. The indictment alleges he used that information to purchase gift cards and money orders at various merchants in the Houston area. Menard then cashed out those fraudulently obtained items and used the proceeds for his own benefit, according to the charges.

If convicted, Menard faces up to 10 years in federal prison on each of the two access device charges and a maximum of five years on the underlying conspiracy.