An Athens woman was in Limestone County Jail on Wednesday charged with 31 counts of first-degree theft in connection with a scheme police said involved stealing identities of people across the nation.
Jennifer Rene Freeman, 22, of 1410 N. Jefferson St., was arrested Tuesday by Athens police accused of opening credit accounts using identities of 31 people.
Capt. Marty Bruce said the arrest is the result of a six-month investigation headed by Detective Dustin Lansford with the assistance of federal postal inspectors.
“The victims were from all over the country including Florida, California, and New York,” Bruce said.
Freeman ran up charges of more than $15,000 using the accounts, Bruce said.
“The actual amounts are still being determined,” said Bruce. “Freeman claims she met a Nigerian male in Huntsville who provided her with names and Social Security numbers of potential victims.”
Investigators said search warrants executed at Freeman’s home and residences of family members produced ledgers with additional names of potential victims.
Police also located copies of credit card statements on the bogus accounts.
Freeman’s bond was set $31,000.
Local News
Related Photos
Discussion
Athens woman charged with 31 counts of identity theft
- Local News
-
-
Burial detail seeks new members
The detail, which provides free military honors for families who request it, typically serves at 50 to 60 funerals per year. This year, Keyes said, the group has provided honors at more than 40 funerals already.
-
Ardmore Welcome Center turns 35
On Thursday, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., the Center will celebrate its 35th anniversary and the public is invited.
-
Governor kills bill on tax appeals
Business groups pushing the legislation say they will try again in the next legislative session.
-
17 veterans assistance offices closing in Alabama
The offices are being closed because of severe funding cuts to agencies funded by the state General Fund budget.
-
Local morning update for May 29, 2012
VIRAL VIDEO OF THE DAY
This couple in Kansas didn’t seem too concerned about a tornado churning off in the distance as they exchanged vows. -
Ala. schools take different approaches to calendar
A new law requiring Alabama schools to start later in the year has some districts cutting holidays while others have students attending longer class days fewer times throughout the year.
-
MORE STORIES: Click LOCAL NEWS bar at top left
Click "Local News" bar at top left for more stories
-
Limestone grand jury indicts 149
A recent panel of jurors found there was adequate evidence to formally charge 149 people on crimes involving drugs, property and violence.
-
City shows off new CNG-powered ride
“It amazes me we haven’t gone to this a long time ago,” said Mayor Ronnie Marks, while giving an overview of the vehicle.
-
Deputies investigate report of downed balloon, find nothing
Witnesses on Mooresville Road near Nick Davis Road called in the balloon report Sunday evening about 8 p.m.
- More Local News Headlines
-
California's Foie Gras Ban About to Begin
6-Year-Old Going to National Spelling Bee
Video Essay: Funky Winkerbean Comic Turns 40
On Thailand Trip, Suu Kyi Visits Migrants
Raw Video: Pink Diamond Auctioned for $17.4M
Hurricane Andrew Remembered, 20 Years Later
Sister Says She Reported Brother in Patz Killing
Patz Suspect's Sister: I Went to Police in 1980s
Diplomatic Expulsions Follow Fresh Syria Report
15 Dead in Northern Italy's 5.8-magnitude Quake
Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings
Witness Describes Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Man Falls Off Crane, Dies After Police Standoff
Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108
Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows
Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks
Air Canada Plane Makes Emergency Landing
New Ticks Spread Across Southeast, Diseases Rise
Bring Your Own Tech Programs Charge Up Students
Pope's Butler Vows to Help Vatican Investigation
