Two China nationals sentenced in Carroll County

What happened: Hongdong Liu and Xiang Liu were sentenced to two years in prison on Friday. They were sentenced in Carroll County by Judge Fred Hecker.

Background: In August, they stood trial in Carroll County. The jury found them guilty of attempting organized theft.

Interesting: Both men are illegal immigrants. They came from China. They were living in New York City.

The crime:

• In November, a 62 year old Finksburg woman was targeted online

• She was told she owed thousands of dollars

• Men showed up to pick up cash

• She gave them $71K

• After, she contacted the sheriff’s office

The arrest:

• Men were coming for more cash

• A deputy hid at the woman’s house

• Hongdong and Xiang Liu showed up

• The deputy arrested them

High stakes: ICE issued detainers for both men. They will face alien removal hearings, per the state’s attorney.

Point of view: State’s attorney Haven Shoemaker said:

• “My office takes a dim view of criminals who take advantage of vulnerable Carroll County residents. I take an even dimmer view when those crimes are committed by illegal aliens.”

Sources: State’s attorney’s statement, charging documents, ICE detainer documents