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Car buyers could be identity theft victims
By OBSERVER STAFF REPORTS
Investigators with the Houston Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit are seeking potential victims of identity theft following the arrest of two suspects charged with being in possession of the personal identifying information of hundreds of unsuspecting car buyers in the Houston area.
Manuel Pierce Souza, 22, and Ray Woodrow Whitmer, 21, are charged with fraudulent use and possession of identifying information in the 232nd State District Court. Both are currently in custody and are also facing narcotics charges.
Following an investigation by the HPD Narcotics Division at 5002 Willowbend, investigators of the HPD Financial Crimes Unit were notified of the discovery of 16 boxes of sales contracts for automobile purchases from the Lawrence Marshall auto dealership, formerly at 6611 Lakes of 610 Drive. The transactions appear to have taken place in 2006.
At this time, investigators have not determined how the suspects obtained possession of the sales contracts.
Investigators have notified numerous potential victims. However, it is believed there could be many more.
Souza, who was sentenced to eight years’ probation for burglary of a habitation in September, remains in Harris County Jail without bond. Whitmer, who shows a prior conviction for possession of marijuana, is jailed on bonds totaling $60,000.
Individuals who bought a vehicle from the Lawrence Marshall auto dealership at the Lakes of 610 Drive location in 2006 are urged to immediately obtain a copy of their credit report and call police at 713-884-3131 to report any fraudulent activity. Other questions may be directed to the HPD Financial Crimes Unit at 713-308-2500.
Manuel Pierce Souza, 22, and Ray Woodrow Whitmer, 21, are charged with fraudulent use and possession of identifying information in the 232nd State District Court. Both are currently in custody and are also facing narcotics charges.
Following an investigation by the HPD Narcotics Division at 5002 Willowbend, investigators of the HPD Financial Crimes Unit were notified of the discovery of 16 boxes of sales contracts for automobile purchases from the Lawrence Marshall auto dealership, formerly at 6611 Lakes of 610 Drive. The transactions appear to have taken place in 2006.
At this time, investigators have not determined how the suspects obtained possession of the sales contracts.
Investigators have notified numerous potential victims. However, it is believed there could be many more.
Souza, who was sentenced to eight years’ probation for burglary of a habitation in September, remains in Harris County Jail without bond. Whitmer, who shows a prior conviction for possession of marijuana, is jailed on bonds totaling $60,000.
Individuals who bought a vehicle from the Lawrence Marshall auto dealership at the Lakes of 610 Drive location in 2006 are urged to immediately obtain a copy of their credit report and call police at 713-884-3131 to report any fraudulent activity. Other questions may be directed to the HPD Financial Crimes Unit at 713-308-2500.
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