Trucking News · Michigan · November 5, 2026

Two Georgia Men Indicted in a $760,320 Michigan Fuel Card Scheme That Prosecutors Say Used a Detroit Trucking Company's Identity

By Big Rig Daily Staff

Two Georgia men have been federally indicted on charges that they defrauded a Michigan fuel company by posing as a Detroit trucking company, according to MLive. The charges are allegations, and both men are presumed innocent.

The charges

A federal grand jury on Sept. 23, 2026, indicted two Atlanta residents on charges of trafficking in an unauthorized access device, wire fraud and mail fraud, MLive reports. The first charge carries up to 10 years, and the other two up to 20 years each.

What the indictment alleges

According to the indictment, as reported by MLive:

• In July 2025, one of the men rented a unit in a Detroit apartment building.
• The next month, the other man allegedly assumed the identity of the owner of Voyager Express Inc., a Detroit-based interstate motor carrier and logistics provider, and submitted a credit application to Coyne Oil & Propane of Mount Pleasant, Michigan.
• He used a fake email address with "voyagerexpress" in it, without the carrier's knowledge or approval.
• Coyne Oil approved the application and in September 2025 mailed eight fuel cards to the Detroit apartment, where they were later picked up.
• Through January, the cards were used to buy fuel in 23 states.

The purchases and interest added up to an unpaid balance of $760,320.19, the indictment states. Coyne Oil did not receive payment for any purchase.

In court

One of the men had his initial appearance on Nov. 3 before a U.S. magistrate judge in Bay City and asked for a court-appointed attorney, MLive reports. He was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond, on the condition that he give up his passport and limit travel to the northern district of Georgia, the eastern district of Michigan and points in between. Next court dates for both men are pending.

Big Rig Daily is not naming the men because the case is at an early stage.

What it means for truckers

The case shows how a trucking company's name can be used without its knowledge. In this case, according to the indictment, the carrier did not approve the email address used in its name. Carriers can watch for credit inquiries or accounts they did not open, and fuel suppliers can verify applications with a known contact at the company. Big Rig Daily's report on freight fraud and carrier identities covers a related trend.

Quick facts

• Indictment: Sept. 23, 2026, federal grand jury.
• Charges: access device trafficking, wire fraud and mail fraud.
• Alleged loss: $760,320.19 unpaid balance.
• Cards: eight, used in 23 states.
• Status: allegations; next court dates pending.

FAQ

Did the Detroit trucking company do anything wrong?

The indictment says the identity was used without the company's knowledge or approval.

Have the men been convicted?

No. They are charged and presumed innocent.

A question for readers

Truckers and carriers, how do you check whether someone is opening accounts in your company's name?

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