DeKalb County, GA — A former sergeant with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has been sentenced for his role in a credit card scheme.

“Claude Goines has been sentenced to prison for running a fake credit card and ID lab,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. “Goines operated a carding lab where he manufactured fraudulent credit cards and driver’s licenses while he was on a work release program related to an earlier fraud conviction.”

Goines formerly worked as a detention officer at the Sheriff’s Office and obtained the rank of sergeant.

“While he was on a work release program related to an earlier fraud conviction, Goines operated a carding lab where he manufactured fraudulent credit cards and driver’s licenses,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. “When federal agents executed a search of the lab, Goines was present while counterfeit cards were being produced.  The lab contained multiple laptops, USB storage devices, cell phones, printers, blank card stock, security holograms for driver’s licenses of several U.S. states, two handguns, and other related items. Goines imported fraudulent holograms to be used with the fake Georgia driver’s licenses he produced.”

Goines, 35, of Lilburn was sentenced to two years, six months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. He was convicted on Oct. 28 after pleading guilty to charges of access device fraud and possession of device-making equipment, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

“It is clear that Goines was determined to continue to hurt citizens by stealing their identities to line his own pockets,” Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, said in the press release. “Particularly disturbing is the fact that he is a former law enforcement officer sworn to protect citizens.”

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