PITTSBURGH, PA — A man from the Bronx, New York, could be facing up to 15 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of stolen money and conspiracy to transport stolen money. Roland Jose Pena, 46, admitted to two counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced on Thursday.
Between April 2022 and March 2023, Pena and several others from the New York City area took part in a coordinated theft spree that spanned two states. The group traveled to dozens of stores in Pennsylvania and Virginia where they broke into and stole money from skilled gaming machines. Skilled gaming machines are devices that provide games of skill for players, often found in bars, clubs, and other entertainment venues.
Following their illicit activities, Pena and his fellow conspirators returned to New York with their ill-gotten gains. In the plea agreement, Pena acknowledged that the group caused losses of at least $550,000.
Judge Bissoon has scheduled sentencing for June 24, 2024. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, Pena could face a maximum total sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. The actual sentence will be based on the seriousness of the offenses and any prior criminal history Pena may have.
Pena has been detained by the court pending his sentencing. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway on behalf of the government.
The investigation leading to Pena’s prosecution was conducted by the United States Secret Service and the United States Postal Inspection Service, working in conjunction with police departments in Pennsylvania and Virginia.
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