| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 1778 | 2010-05-19 | Troop B | Identity Theft Ring Identified in the Metro New Orleans Area |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent TROOP B- NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Date: May 19, 2010 Identity Theft Ring Identified in the Metro New Orleans Area Troop B – Louisiana State Police Detectives and Criminal Intelligence Unit are partnering with the New Orleans Police Department 8th District Investigative Unit in an effort to identify and arrest several individuals linked to pickpocket and theft cases in the French Quarter. During the initial investigation, Detectives received information about unknown individuals attempting to open credit accounts at area stores such as Home Depot, Target, Sears and Lowes. Detectives were able to positively identify Tomica Newman, (B/F, age 34) of New Orleans, as an individual who applied for and received a fraudulent credit card and subsequently charged approximately $2,500 in purchases at Home Depot. Detectives later observed Newman meeting with a black male subject identified as Gregory Banks, (B/M, age 48) of New Orleans. Banks was recognized from a previous investigative case as the leader of an identity theft ring in the metro area. Detectives then partnered with the United States Secret Service Financial Crimes Task Force and uncovered the organized scheme: Banks purchased identity documents retrieved from purses and wallets stolen in the French Quarter and altered the victims’ drivers’ licenses to reflect Newman’s picture. Banks, with the assistance of Newman, then used the altered drivers licenses, stolen credit cards and checks to make purchases. During the investigation, Detectives witnessed Banks and Newman purchase items with stolen checks and/or credit cards, then re-selling the items to other purchasers. Several victims have been identified; all of which had purses or wallets stolen recently in the French Quarter and surrounding areas. The investigation continues and other suspects may be identified in the scheme. Detectives obtained arrest warrants for Newman and Banks in Jefferson Parish. Newman was arrested on May 13, 2010 and charged with Identity Theft, Access Device Fraud, Forgery, Attempted Identity Theft and Attempted Access Device Fraud totaling approximately $3,800. On May 18, 2010, Banks was arrested for Attempted Identify Theft, Attempted Access Device Fraud, Principal to Identity Theft, Principal to Access Device Fraud, Principal to Forgery and Identity Theft totaling approximately $4,750. Banks and Newman were booked at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center. For more information contact: Trooper Melissa Matey Public Affairs Unit Louisiana State Police – Troop B Office: (504) 471-2780 melissa.matey@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org | |||
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