MILFORD -  A Lords Valley man plead guilty to committing a fraud scheme over eBay, in Pike County Court on Wednesday. Christopher Harkins, 42 of Lords Valley, PA was charged with setting up a false auction of a John Deere Backhoe on eBay. The fake eBay auction, set up by Harkins, led a victim from Texas to believe he had placed the winning big. The victim sent Harkins a deposit of over $ 17,000.00. When Harkins requested more money the victim became suspicious. The victim eventually learned that the backhoe was actually owned by a heavy equipment dealer in New Jersey.

The victim contacted the Pennsylvania State Police at Blooming Grove about the fraud. Trooper Mark Pizzuti learned that Harkins had created several false documents to perpetrate the fraud. Trooper Pizzuti obtained a search warrant for Harkins’ residence and discovered evidence on two computers in the home. It was eventually discovered that Harkins cashed a check sent by the victim at a check cashing business in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Harkins case was scheduled to proceed to a jury trial on Wednesday. Prior to the trial, Harkins plead guilty to Theft by Deception and Unlawful use of a Computer, both felonies. Judge Gregory Chelak sentenced Harkins to 28 months to 10 years in a State Correctional Institution and ordered to pay him full restitution.

Pike County District Attorney Raymond Tonkin, who prosecuted the case, noted that Harkins has previously been convicted of a large theft. Harkins will now spend 58 months to 17 years in prison. Tonkin thanked the Pennsylvania State Police for their thorough investigation in this case.