Santa Paula man helped Russians
He pleaded guilty to ID fraud after selling bank account data to users outside the U.S.
Richard Pinedo, who pleaded guilty to identity theft, was an unwitting accomplice, his attorney says.
SANTA PAULA, Calif. – A California man who pleaded guilty to identity theft as part of the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election was a self-described digital marketing strategist who once ran a website that helped people get around security measures for online marketplaces such as Amazon and EBay.
Richard Pinedo, 28, of Santa Paula pleaded guilty this month to one count of identity fraud as part of the investigation, according to court documents made public Friday by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III.
Though Friday’s news linked Pinedo to the ever-expanding investigation into Russia’s role in President Trump’s election night victory, his attorney painted him as an unwitting accomplice who has been cooperative ever since he was contacted by investigators.
“He was obviously shocked and his response was to acknowledge his wrongdoing, take responsibility and assist the special counsel’s office in their investigation,” attorney Jeremy Lessem said in an interview with The Times.
Mueller announced charges against 13 Russians and three Russian companies Friday, alleging they used stolen banking information, fake campaign events and hundreds of social media accounts to tilt the 2016 election in Trump’s favor.
The indictment, apparently quoting internal Russian documents, said the operation began with a “strategic goal to sow discord in the U.S. political system” in general. Over time, however, its focus became bolstering Trump’s chances and disparaging his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton.
According to court documents, Pinedo operated an online auction service called Auction Essistance that “offered a variety of services designed to circumvent the security features of large online digital payment companies.” The company’s LinkedIn page touts Auction Essistance as a haven for users who have been unfairly banned from Amazon or EBay because of negative reviews or false allegations.
“More and more people have found out that EBay has suspended their accounts or have sided with buyers for ridiculous claims that these buyers have filed. ... One negative comment or feedback on your Amazon seller account and you are banned,” the company’s online biography reads. “We are committed to helping you to get back to selling or begin to sell for first-timers.”
Through the company, Pinedo sold bank account numbers to users, according to court documents. He often purchased stolen bank information over the internet before selling it to his clients.
Pinedo confessed to selling some stolen accounts to users outside the United States, including those the special counsel’s office accused of being involved in the plot to swing the election.
While the criminal charge against Pinedo says he knowingly dealt with people outside the U.S. — both in