United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated Thursday that Shawna Michelle Holmes, 36, of Loris, pled guilty on Tuesday in federal court in Florence, to use of an unauthorized access device and aggravated identity theft.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Holmes was employed by Bargain Beachwear in Myrtle Beach and from August 2006 until September 2010. Holmes used eight of Bargain Beachwear's credit cards and a credit card of one of its co-owners without authorization causing over $1,000,000.00 in losses.
Holmes added her name to the credit cards and then made charges for personal items such as 10 vehicles, joining a health club and paying her husband's taxes.
Holmes altered Bargain Beachwear's records to make it appear the charges were for purchases of inventory.
Mr. Nettles stated the maximum penalty Holmes can receive is a fine of $150,000.00 and/or imprisonment for 12 years, plus a special assessment of $100.00.
The case was investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II of the Florence office handled the case.
