Published July 10 2014
Investigators with the Bellevue Police have recovered hundreds of fraudulent documents related to a prolific identity thief with the help of an observant neighbor. On July 3 a resident at the Hidden Creek Condominiums in the 800 block of 126th Place Northeast noticed what appeared to be two stolen road construction signs in an adjacent patio. The resident contacted the construction company that owned the signs, and confirmed that the signs had been stolen from a job site. The company then contacted the Bellevue Police.
A patrol officer responded to contact the neighbor. As a result of the officer's investigation, three subjects were arrested for outstanding arrest warrants, and a fourth subject was arrested after admitting to the theft of the signs. Three fake Washington identification cards were found on one of the subjects, and a search warrant was obtained for the condominium. A search of the condomimium resulted in the following evidence being recovered:
- 39 false Washington ID cards and driverss licenses;
- 67 fraudulent credit cards;
- 28 various false government ID cards;
- Seven false Social Security cards; and
- Several hundred forged checks.
Bellevue Police are contacting victims in this case.
"It appears that most of the victims in this case had their identities stolen after their mail was stolen or their cars were broken into by these suspects." said Lt. Lisa Patricelli . "This is a good reminder for people to consider buying locked mailboxes, and to never leave valuables in our vehicles."