Date of Incident: November 2007
Time of Incident:

An arrest was made in an internet fraud scheme that this department investigated.  Arrested was W/F, Nicole L. Burk, 10-11-75, Trinway, OH.  The defendant is charged with Unlawful Use of a Computer (F), Theft By Deception (F), and Receiving Stolen Property (F). 

In November 2007, the victim, Chad Markle, 28 YOA, 6000 blk. Old Hanover Rd., Spring Grove, found a vehicle to purchase on the internet site, E-Bay.  The purchase went to another bidder but the seller then recontacted the victim and advised that the vehicle was still available to him.  The victim verified several things about the authenticity of the vehicle to include that the Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, was accurate for the vehicle being sold.  The victim decided to make the purchase “off-site” and not through the E-Bay site.

 The victim wired $8,500 to the seller’s bank in Ohio and never received the vehicle that was promised.  After repeated attempts to contact the seller without success, the victim came to this PD and the investigation ensued.

 Sgt. Lisa Layden of our PD, had very little information about the seller as the transaction was performed “off-line” from the E-Bay site.  This greatly contributes to the difficulty in determining who is actually the seller.  The suspect was eventually developed using a multitude of search warrants and subpoenas both within PA and Ohio. 

 Charges were filed at MDJ K. Leppo’s Office in July 2008 and a warrant was issued for the defendant’s arrest.  In September 2008, the defendant was located in Ohio.  The Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office did pick-up the defendant for these charges.  On Oct. 3, 2008, Sgt. Layden attended an extradition hearing held in Zanesville, OH for the defendant.  It was determined that the defendant be brought to York County to answer to these charges.  She will be brought back to PA by the York County Sheriff’s Office as soon as possible.

 It should be noted the great difficulty and lengthy investigation needed in prosecuting cases when an item is not purchased via the E-Bay site.  E-Bay cannot assist in the investigation even though the sale was first contemplated via this web site.  It is strongly recommended to always make a purchase directly via the E-Bay site.