March 31, 2010
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News: Credit Card Fraud; How Do They Do It? 42
A Wheaton, Illinois deacon has been arrested and charged with over $315,000 in theft from the church bank accounts and use of the parish credit card. George Valdez worked for St. Mary's Church in West Chicago, Illinois as a business manager. Valdez managed business alright as he issued himself checks from the church's account, transferred the church's money into his personal account, and used the church's credit card for personal use. DuPage County State's Attorney, Joe Birkett said Valdez used the church's money to fund his own personal needs for three years. The money transfers and credit card theft was discovered during a routine audit during a pastor change. Valdez has been charged with six counts of theft over $100,000, two counts of continuing a financial crimes enterprise, 18 counts of theft, and four counts of wire fraud. He faces up to 30 years in prison.
The former "American Idol" contestant Chikezie Eze has been charged with attempted grand theft and identity theft in connection to a credit card theft incident. Eze was arrested in Los Angeles, California after attempting to purchase two bottles of men's cologne totaling over $1,200 with a stolen credit card. According to the Los Angeles District Attorney, Eze posted $50,000 in bail and awaits a May 2nd hearing. After the incident, Eze told reporters that the incident was a just a misunderstanding.
The Rock Hill, South Carolina Police Department is on the lookout for a woman in connection to multiple credit card fraud cases. The woman has been caught on surveillance video at several local retailers using the stolen cards. She is identified as a white female with blond hair. In the video, the women is wearing a bandage on her right arm and wrist. The suspect broke into automobiles and stole the cards. She is wanted for burglary, breaking and entering of automobiles, and petty larceny. The Rock Hill Police are asking anyone who has any information pertaining to the case to call the police.