Tampa resident accused of manufacturing fake credit cards
January 5, 2021 - A Tampa man faces federal charges stemming from allegedly making counterfeit credit cards and unlawfully possessing credit card manufacturing equipment. According to a press release, Eugene Cole, 30, was indicted by U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez and arraigned on Jan. 4 in Jacksonville. He could spend up to 25 years in federal prison if convicted of the charges. Cole would also have to pay restitution to victims he allegedly defrauded as part of the fake credit card scheme, which was uncovered on March 4 as part of an investigation by the U.S. Secret Service and Florida Highway Patrol.