Couple in California Accused of Skimming at a Minnesota Gas Station

A couple from California is accused of implanting credit card skimmers on six gas pumps at a New Hope Shell Station early in July.

Sarksis Mkhshyan, 29, and Gohar Yesayan, 28, have both been arrested for placing the skimmers on the pumps and were found with a list of 100 other gas stations. Authorities are unsure of what their plans were with the list of stations that were found on them. Nonetheless, the six skimmers that they did manage to plant on the machines copied 8 credit card numbers when the cardholders paid at the pumps.

The purpose of skimmers is to copy credit card numbers and thieves use these credit card numbers for identity theft reasons. Both Mkhsyan and Yesayan face 9 felony counts of identity theft.

The individuals whose card numbers were stolen had no idea that the theft had occurred. The card readers at the pumps behaved no differently than they would have in a normal transaction. Authorities are trying to figure out how the skimmers were placed into the pumps, as neither one of the suspects are being cooperative in the matter.

This is also not Mkhsyan’s first identity theft arrest. He was arrested in California two months ago, but was released on bond.

Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.

  • Should be Empty:
  • Client Testimonials

    To meet your needs, I provide 24 hour service, off-site appointments, and a free initial consultation. Contact my Minneapolis law office to have a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney on your side.

    See More Client Testimonials
    Quote

    Case Results

    Best Minneapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer Representation

    Controlled substance in the 3rd degree

    County: Hennepin

    Type of Charge: Controlled substance in the 3rd degree

    Priors: None

    Final Deposition: Amended to 5th degree

    Sentence Imposed: Felony kept off the record and no jail

    Felony Strangulation

    County: Hennepin

    Type of Charge: Felony Strangulation

    Priors: 2 domestic Assaults

    Final Deposition: Gross Misdemeanor sentence

    Sentence Imposed: 30 days on electronic monitoring

    Felony Arson

    County: Hennepin

    Type of Charge: Felony Arson

    Priors: No priors

    Final Deposition: Sentenced as a gross misdemeanor

    Sentence Imposed: No jail

    View More Criminal Defense Case Results

    Contact Attorney Judith Samson

    Over 20 years experienced criminal defense representation in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
    Our office is located in downtown Minneapolis in the Flour Exchange Building.

    310 4th Ave S, Suite 1050, Minneapolis, MN 55415

    Phone: 612-333-8001

    Fax: 612-333-8003