Charges filed in credit card skimming case

Matthew Sykora, 18, was arraigned Wednesday on four criminal charges pertaining to credit card fraud Wednesday afternoon.

Arrested for allegedly skimming at least 27 credit cards by copying the magnetic strips, the Yuma teen appeared in Yuma Justice Court before Justice of the Peace Pro Tem Manny Figueroa.

Although his attorney, Conrad Mallek, waived formal reading of the complaint and advisement of his client's rights, court records indicate Sykora was charged with one count of fraudulent schemes and artifices, one count of theft, one count of aggravated taking the identity of another person and unlawful possession or use of a scanning device or recorder.

Sykora, who posted $12,000 in bond, appeared out of custody with his attorney during the very brief court hearing. The judge set his preliminary hearing for Jan. 20 at 4 p.m.

Some of Sykora's alleged victims were in court again Wednesday, where they addressed the court. One said Sykora made a copy of his credit card and used it to take more than $1,400. The victim added that he and his wife would not have known had they not tried to use their card, at which point it was declined.

A second victim told the court that sheriff's deputies found a copy of his credit card at found at Sykora's residence and that he had made a $300 withdrawal from their account.

Sykora, who allegedly committed the crimes while working at an unspecified Foothills business in the 11000 block of South Foothills Boulevard, was arrested Dec. 28.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.