2003-09-03 -- Costa, Frank, Jr. -- Guilty Plea -- News Release

Former Car Sales Manager, Co-defendant Admit Using Stolen Identities in Financing High-End Autos

NEWARK - The former sales manager of a car dealership in Edison and a Phillipsburg woman admitted today that they used stolen identities to finance high-priced automobiles, U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie announced.

Frank Costa, Jr., 30, of Monmouth Junction, and Joy Robinson, 32, of Phillipsburg, each pleaded guilty to one-count Informations charging conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Following the guilty plea, U.S. District Judge Bassler delayed setting a sentencing date for Costa or Robinson. Judge Bassler continued bail for Costa at $50,000 and Robinson at $30,000, pending sentencing.

Each defendant faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine for participating in the conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

In addition, Costa could also be ordered to pay up to $48,000 and Robinson could be ordered to pay up to $32,000 in restitution. Each could also be ordered to pay the costs of prosecution.

Prior to his arrest in March, Costa was the sales manager of Open Road BMW in Edison. Costa admitted today that he and Barry Hopson, who was charged in a criminal complaint last summer, fraudulently arranged for Hopson to finance the purchase of a 2000 BMW 740i worth approximately $48,000, using a stolen identity. Costa admitted that they conspired to mislead BMW Group Financial Services into believing that the actual purchaser was a credit-worthy individual (initials G.H.), whose identity they had misappropriated. Costa admitted that he expected to receive a commission on the fraudulent sale.

Robinson admitted participating in a separate fraudulent purchase at the Nissan 46 Dealership in Totowa with Hopson of a 1999 GMC Yukon Denali, with a value of approximately $32,000.

Under U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, Judge Bassler will determine Costa and Robinson's actual sentences based upon a formula that takes into account the severity and characteristics of the offense, and each defendant's criminal history, if any. Parole has been abolished in the federal system. Under Sentencing Guidelines, defendants who are given custodial terms must serve nearly all that time.

Under an Information, a defendant waives the right to have his case presented to a grand jury and, instead, pleads guilty to charges presented by the government.

Christie credited Special Agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Louie F. Allen, for their role in this investigation, which is on-going.

The Government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Epner, of the U.S. Attorney's Public Protection Unit.

Defense Attorneys:

For Frank Costa, Jr. - Paul Bergrin, Esq., Newark

For Joy Robinson - Robert Haney, Esq., Ewing