More Indictments in eBay, Sam's Club Scam Investigation

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As previously reported by Kirkwood Patch, one person was indicted in February for selling stolen items on eBay. Thursday, the U.S. Attorney's Office of Eastern Missouri said two more people have been indicted in the case. They face up to five years in prison and/or up to $250,000 in fines.

(Read Previous Story: Des Peres Police Involved in Case of Stolen Items Sold on eBay)

Prosecutors, once again, did not identify the specific Sam's Clubs locations involved involved in the scam, but they state the Des Peres Police Department was involved in the investigation.

Prosecutors released the following details of the case in a news release.

James Baggio, 41; and Mary Sue Scott, 39, both of St. Joseph, Missouri were indicted for allegedly stealing products from local Sam’s Clubs and re-selling them on eBay.  The indictment alleges that they stole approximately $100,000 worth of merchandise from Sam’s Club locations in seven different states and sold that product to purchasers across the United States.              

According to the indictment, between February 2011 and October 2012, Baggio and Scott visited Sam’s Club locations in a number states, including stores in the St. Louis and St. Charles areas.  They would select either a large container, such as a trash can, or a cheap item that was packaged in large box, remove the contents and hide the box on shelves throughout the store.  They filled the empty box with more expensive products, usually electronics or a pet product known as Frontline.  When they checked out the cashier scanned the box and charged them for the cheaper item.  The items were then allegedly sold on eBay.              

If convicted, this charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000.  In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.                                                                              

This case was investigated by the Postal Inspection Service, the Des Peres Police Department, and Walmart/Sam's Club Global Security.  Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Casey is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.