Peter Hernandez, DBA Hernandez and Hernandez Wholesale, arrested for Federal Wire Fraud Charges

In a joint FBI and El Paso Police Department cyber crime investigation, PETER HERNANDEZ dba Hernandez and Hernandez Wholesale, 3465 Lee Boulevard, Number 219, El Paso, TX 79936, was arrested pursuant to a federal arrest warrant authorized by Federal Magistrate Judge Richard Mesa.

HERNANDEZ will be charged with violations of Title 18 U.S.C.§ 1343 (Fraud by Wire). HERNANDEZ is alleged to have been engaged in the fraudulent internet sale of IPODS, Sony PlayStations and other popular items via his website hernandezandhernandezwholesale.com. Numerous victims alleged that these items were paid for and never received.

During June 2005, the El Paso Police Department (EPPD) received two complaints regarding Peter Hernandez’ internet wire fraud.

The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) database revealed 119 complaints dating back to July, 2003 against Peter Hernandez with total victim losses of $12,285.18. These documented complaints against the Hernandez' originated from numerous cities in the United States (US) and around the world.

On June 22, 2005, a search warrant was authorized by United States Magistrate Judge Michael McDonald, United States District Court, Western District of Texas for the Hernandez residence in El Paso, Texas. Pursuant to the search, two computers, money order receipts, Ebay correspondence, Yahoo correspondence, and other items of evidence were found at the residence

Hernandez has used the Ebay accounts: "8634johnc" and "lollyworld55", as well as the Ioffer account "kindertoyland6" to advertise merchandise. Hernandez also has used Yahoo email accounts: " and” to correspond with potential customers.

The public is advised to be cautious of internet fraud schemes and to file complaints if they have been victimized via the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), www.ic3.gov.