Atlanta Police Department Public Affairs
226 Peachtree Street SW • Atlanta, Georgia 30303
News Release
Atlanta Police Major Fraud Investigators Break Up Major Fraud Ring In Atlanta
The Atlanta Police Major Fraud Unit, supported by the Atlanta Field Office of the United States Secret Service’s Organized Fraud Task Force, conducted an undercover operation to identify and arrest subjects operating an elaborate fraud scheme to purchase high end electronics through the creation of fake businesses.
The suspects, Rodney Sandridge (DOB 12/14/1965) and Antonio Sandridge (DOB 10/09/1967), brothers, created false business identities using various “virtual office” addresses in the city. They would then contract for credit with various electronic retailers throughout the US, place orders on credit for computers, televisions, and other high end electronics. The information provided to the victim companies was fraudulent causing them to be at a loss for the value of the items. Fake business names used include G2G Properties (200 Peachtree Street), Marketing Solutions Inc. (260 Peachtree Street), and Enterprise Analytical (3355 Lenox Road).
The fraud was detected by Tech Data Corporation, an electronics distributor used by several of the victim companies. Tech Data attributed over $230,000.00 worth of fraud to this group previously. Rodney Sandridge was identified as a suspect by Major Fraud investigators and was arrested on warrants on 05/14/2013. He was released on $33,000.00 bond.
On June 11th, 2013, Tech Data notified the Major Fraud Unit that a new order had been placed for several laptop computers totaling over $30,000.00. The merchandise was scheduled to be delivered to another virtual office location at 3355 Lenox Road in Atlanta under the fake business name of Enterprise Analytical.
Detectives and Special Agents prepared a surveillance operation to deliver the packages and follow them to their end destination. Following the delivery of the packages, Rodney Sandridge arrived and signed for them before loading them into his personal vehicle. The packages were delivered to 32 Peachtree Street to a third arrestee, Omeed Sheikh-Sajjadieh (DOB 11/17/1983).
Investigation has revealed that Sajjadieh brokers the sale of the items to third party buyers for a “cut” of the profit. All three males were taken into custody and charged with Theft by Receiving Stolen Property, and Criminal Receipt of Goods Fraudulently Obtained. The property was recovered, to include 4 televisions stolen in a previous fraud scheme.
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The mission of the Atlanta Police Department is to reduce crime and promote the quality of life, in partnership with our community.