A Florida woman, Heidi Richards (52, of Brandon), was recently convicted for her role in a massive Microsoft license fraud scheme operated through her company, Trinity Software Distribution.

The Fraud Scheme

• Harvesting Keys: Richards ran a conspiracy to traffic in illicit Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity (COA) labels. She purchased harvested product keys in bulk—a practice prohibited by Microsoft—and resold them to customers according to the Department of Justice.
• Scale of Operation: Between August 2017 and 2023, she paid over $5.14 million to acquisition sources for these illicit labels.
• Illegal Possession: Authorities found her in possession of over 15 unauthorized activation keys intended for fraudulent distribution.

Legal Consequences

• The Verdict: On November 18, 2025, a federal jury found her guilty of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit and illicit labels.
• Prison Time: Richards faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.
• Sentencing: Her formal sentencing is scheduled for February 26, 2026.

The investigation was a joint effort between Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.