.. Secret Service joins Morgan probe

MORGAN COUNTY -- The Secret Service has taken over the reigns of an Internet-scam case that entangled a Florence (MO, USA) woman in a computer laundering operation.

Sheriff Jim Petty said Missouri State Highway Patrol officials called his department and asked if deputies would intercept a delivery from Office Depot in Sedalia.

"We were told that four computers were ordered with a bad credit card that store officials didn't catch until they had already shipped them out," Petty said. "So they asked us to take delivery of them."

Petty said three Compaq Presario computers, two copiers, two printers and two monitors valued at $4,000 were supposed to be delivered to a Florence woman's home.

"She said she was told by a man on the Internet that she was to keep one of the computers for herself and then ship the other two to Ghana, Africa," Petty said. "The man said she should send the computers via a Federal Express account number."

The woman, whose name has not been released, said she had shipped other high-dollar items for the man in the past including large televisions, electronic equipment and other merchandise. She was allegedly paid for her efforts with gifts.

"She turned over three pairs of Bass shoes the man sent her," Petty said. "She is cooperating fully with authorities and is not expected to face criminal charges in the case."

Petty said it is likely the man at the root of the case has recruited many more into his scheme to move merchandise. That could also mean the crime ring is much larger, involving multiple players across the country and abroad.

Because a stolen credit card is considered stolen money and requires a Secret Service investigation, the players could face felony prosecution under federal laws.

"Anyone who is asked to drop ship an item and pass it on should be wary of what someone is asking them do," Petty said. "In this case, what that amounted to is laundering stolen goods."

Police say anyone who is approached on the information super-highway with a similar proposition should report it to the nearest law enforcement agency immediately.