PHILADELPHIA, PA – William Cole, a 32-year-old Philadelphia resident, has been sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for orchestrating a diesel fuel theft operation and for illegal firearms possession. The sentencing was carried out by United States District Court Judge Gerald A. McHugh.
Cole entered a guilty plea in October 2023 to charges of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and being a felon in possession of a firearm. His criminal enterprise, running from March 2021 to June 21, 2023, involved the use of stolen credit card data to illegally acquire over $750,000 worth of diesel fuel from gas stations in the Philadelphia area. Cole directed co-conspirators to use auxiliary tanks on his trucks for the fuel thefts, subsequently selling the fuel at a discount.
A search of Cole’s residence on June 26, 2023, by Homeland Security Investigations led to the discovery of a Smith and Wesson semi-automatic pistol and a modified Glock 27, converted into a fully automatic weapon. Given Cole’s history of drug and gun convictions in Pennsylvania, his possession of these firearms was unlawful.
U.S. Attorney Romero emphasized the seriousness of Cole’s offenses, noting his exploitation of stolen personal information and illegal armament. The commitment to prosecuting individuals like Cole was reaffirmed, highlighting the collaborative efforts of law enforcement partners.