Jul 13, 2007 11:08 pm US/Eastern
'Wigged Out' Identity Theft Ring Busted
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BROWARD (CBS4) ―
The Broward Sheriff's Office has uncovered an identity theft ring and has made five arrests.
The suspects are accused of stealing the identities of dozens of Broward and Palm Beach County residents, and are identified as Antwon Clark, Sophia D. Williams, Larushiea Cross, Kela Marquett Haynes and Aziza U. Alvarez. All five were arrested Thursday at a Tamarac gas station. According to BSO detectives, they were about to embark on an identity theft spending spree using a wig-wearing homeless woman to commit more crimes.
Caludia Fajordo, of Margate, became one of their alleged victims, with her driver's license, credit cards and her immigration ID stolen.
"That's important for me because it's the way that I can stay here," said Fajordo.
She is now trying to get her life together and is literally reclaiming her identity.
Clark, identified as a suspect in a burglary that took place at his neighbor's North Lauderdale home in June, was spotted at a Shell gas station at 5001 N. State Road 7, with his girlfriend, Sophia Williams, in the car.
Police pulled him over along with a Lexus SUV with four women in it. Those women were Cross, Haynes, Alvarez and a homeless woman, Teresa Rojas.
Police say the suspects were about to use Rojas to cash stolen checks at banks around Broward County. They were even going to make Rojas wear a blonde wig so she would resemble the photo on the stolen I.D, according to BSO.
A blonde wig, BSO states, was bought at a nearby beauty supply store before the group was caught.
In addition to the blonde wig, there was also a black wig, dozens of driver's licenses, credit cards, retail gift cards valued at hundreds of dollars, $1,500 cash, marijuana, jewelry, social security cards and a canister of chemical defense spray.
Some of the recovered items have already been linked to several car break-ins over the Memorial Day holiday at a North Lauderdale park.
Clark was charged with burglary of a dwelling, grand theft and dealing in stolen property.
Williams had an outstanding traffic warrant and was charged with felony possession of marijuana, four counts of possession of stolen property (petit theft), and possession of burglary tools.
Alvarez was charged with 20 counts of possession of stolen property and one count of possession of burglary tools.
Haynes was charged with possession of burglary tools and possession of marijuana.
Cross was charged with carrying a concealed weapon.
As the investigation continues, additional charges are likely.
If you think you might have been a victim by this group, call Det. Roger Peterson at 954-722-5800, or contact Broward Crime Stoppers, anonymously, at 954-493-TIPS (8477) or via e-mail at www.browardcrimestoppers.org.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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