A Florida woman has been sentenced for her role in a massive counterfeit coupon scheme that federal investigators say caused nearly $32 million in losses to retailers and manufacturers across the country.
Sherise Williams, 40, of Palmetto, Florida, was sentenced today to three years and five months in federal prison for mail fraud. Her sentencing marks the final chapter in a multi-year investigation centered on a counterfeit coupon operation run out of a Virginia Beach home.
According to court documents, the scheme operated from at least April 2017 through May 2020. Prosecutors said Lori Ann Talens created and distributed counterfeit coupons from her Virginia Beach residence, using a computer to design and produce fraudulent coupons that often carried inflated values, allowing customers to obtain products for free or at steep discounts.
Authorities said Talens marketed and sold the counterfeit coupons through social media platforms and mobile applications frequented by coupon enthusiasts. Her husband, Pacifico Talens Jr., assisted with the operation and shared in its profits.
Federal investigators determined the scheme generated approximately $31.8 million in losses for retailers and manufacturers nationwide.
Williams was among several customers who purchased counterfeit coupons in bulk. Court records show she bought counterfeit coupons from Lori Ann Talens on 274 separate occasions, paying a total of $19,821.34. Investigators estimated that for every dollar customers spent, they received roughly $50 worth of counterfeit coupons.
Based on that ratio, prosecutors said Williams alone caused nearly $1 million in losses, totaling approximately $991,067.
The leaders of the operation previously received lengthy prison sentences. Lori Ann Talens pleaded guilty to mail fraud, wire fraud, and health care fraud related to a separate scheme and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Pacifico Talens Jr. pleaded guilty to mail fraud and received a sentence of seven years and three months.
Several other participants also faced federal prosecution:
Amber Lynn Teague, also known as Amber Johnson, of Louisville, Kentucky, was sentenced to six months in prison after pleading guilty to mail fraud.
Jennifer Irene Snyder of Lavon, Texas, received a sentence of one year and three months in prison.
Melissa Kay Apodaca of Thornton, Colorado, was sentenced to one year and six months in prison.
Cindi Suzette Swindle of Jacksonville, Florida, received a one-year prison sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office.
Federal prosecutors said the case highlights the significant financial impact of counterfeit coupon fraud, which can affect manufacturers, retailers, and ultimately consumers through increased costs and losses throughout the supply chain. The Virginia Beach-based operation became one of the largest counterfeit coupon schemes prosecuted in the United States.