Published January 5 2015
Detectives with the Bellevue Police Department continue to combat identity theft, and they need the public's assistance in locating a suspect allegedly involved in a nationwide theft operation. On December 4, 2013, the suspect, Hector Segundo Molina-Escobar and an accomplice used credit cards stolen from victims in Lynnwood, Woodinville, Bellevue and Renton to make purchases of over $10,000.
A Bellevue police detective, with assistance from detectives in Colorado and North Carolina, identified both suspects as being part of a traveling group of approximately a dozen identity thieves that have been active throughout the United States.
The suspect's method of operating is to target victims at grocery stores and popular lunch destinations, remove wallets from purses, and immediately make high-dollar purchases.
Hector Segundo Molina-Escobar has a nationwide extraditable warrant for the King County theft cases. Warrants with nationwide extradition are difficult to obtain and their presence demonstrates the detectives' and prosecutors' commitment to these investigations.
Molina-Escobar's accomplice, Ashley Leyton, is currently in custody in Kentucky, however Molina-Escobar has warrants in seven states related to his theft activity and is currently at large.
Crimestoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for any tip leading to the arrest and prosecution of Molina-Escobar. Anyone with information about Molina-Escobar's whereabouts is urged to contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or contact the Bellevue Police Department at pdtipline@bellevuewa.gov. All tips are kept confidential.
"This case is a reminder to always be aware of your surroundings," said Police Lt. Lisa Patricelli "Keeping a close eye on your valuables and setting up alerts with your credit card company and bank to notify you of suspicious transactions can prevent identity theft from occurring in the first place."