Snow Hill Check Fraudster Sentenced to Almost 3 Years in Federal Prison

WILMINGTON, N.C. - A federal judge sentenced Eric Lamont Salvant, 35, to almost three years in federal prison for his role in a sophisticated check-fraud ring. Inmate Salvant pleaded guilty to the charge.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Inmate Salvant conspired with two others to obtain stolen checks through an encrypted messaging app. They altered those stolen checks and created new counterfeit checks. Once the checks had been altered or counterfeited, Inmate Salvant and his coconspirators deposited them into bank accounts held in the names of various money mules recruited by Inmate Salvant, then quickly converted the proceeds to cash.

When a bank teller in Shallotte alerted police to their attempt to deposit a counterfeit check, Police searched their car. Inmate Salvant attempted to hide a bag full of over 50 stolen and counterfeit checks and over 30 debit cards in a variety of names on a grocery-store shelf while the police arrested his coconspirators outside.

"Despite the many technological advances in our financial system, some fraudsters are still up to their old tricks," said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. "Checks can be stolen and used to cheat banks or innocent citizens out of honest money, especially when sent through the mail. Citizens and businesses in our district should carefully monitor payments made by check to ensure delivery and deposit as intended. Our office will continue to protect the good people of Eastern North Carolina by holding fraudsters to account and working with our law enforcement partners to disrupt the criminal networks that enable these shameless crimes. Cheaters. Never. Win."

W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. The United States Secret Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Cogburn prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North CarolinaLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. or on PACERLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. by searching for Case No. 5:25-CR-48-M-KS.