Fayette | News

Sharpsburg pair faces identity theft charges

Fri, 01/20/2006 - 3:29pm
By: The Citizen

A Sharpsburg couple was arrested Thursday by Peachtree City police for financial identity fraud.

Charles Williams, 28, and Brenna Williams, 26, of Oxford Court in Sharpsburg were taken into custody after the Peachtree City Police Department received reports from others who said their identities had been used to apply for and receive credit cards, according to a written statement from the police. Each of the victims had applied for credit at the Best Buy in Peachtree City, which opened in November.

Using a search warrant, authorities found copies of the victims’ credit applications and fraudulently obtained credit cards in the Williams home, police said. A dozen copies of credit applications for other people were also found.

Investigators believe that the suspects were secretly stealing copies of the applications and targeting victims with high levels of income. The credit cards have already been used to obtain a number of purchases of DVDs, electronics and pet supplies as well as a cash advance, police said.

During the investigation, police learned that Charles Williams was a Best Buy employee and Brenna Williams had previously worked for the store chain. Charles Williams, who worked in the customer service department as a senior employee, was in a position to receive credit applications, according to police, and he was also seen in the Peachtree City Library at the same times the credit applications were completed electronically using the library’s computers.

The couple is currently in the Fayette County Jail facing one count of financial identity fraud, although police say that there could be many more charges pending the outcome of the investigation. A bond hearing was scheduled for Friday at 2 p.m. in Fayette County Magistrate Court.

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It is sad that people like
Submitted by anonymous on Sat, 01/21/2006 - 8:55am.

It is sad that people like this can become a part of the work force without anyone suspecting. And I agree that there's only so far you can go during the hiring process. It's really sad that when you think you know people, it turns out you know very little. And I extend my sympathies toward any of the victims of these two or any identity theft, and I am glad the two were caught.

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Protective Measures
Submitted by PTCGuy on Sat, 01/21/2006 - 8:15am.

Few are more careful with personal information than I. There is a certain amount of exposure during the course of everyday life. You have to have a certain amount of trust in your fellow man. I hold no animosity towards Best Buy for what happened to me. You can only do so much during the screening process when hiring.

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A company itself can't be
Submitted by anonymous on Sat, 01/21/2006 - 12:08am.

A company itself can't be held responsible for crime in a city. These people could have found a job at any business in Peachtree City and done the same thing. Some people are good, some are less good. That's what it comes down to. The best thing to do, rather than gripe about businesses and whatnot coming to town, is to take protective measures against such crimes.

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The Chief was right
H. Hamster's picture
Submitted by H. Hamster on Fri, 01/20/2006 - 9:00pm.

This latest - in a long string of incidents - confirms Police Chief Jim Murray's contention years ago that if the city approves big box retailers and apartments then crime will follow.

Now that he has been proven correct, what are our elected officials going to do about it? Shall we hire more police officers? Maybe we can pretend there is not a problem and make speeches and send out press releases.

Or, we can form a task force. But please, if we form a task force, let's be sure it is diverse, with all races and socioeconomic classes represented and naturally all meetings open to the press. That way the predators can have time to plan ahead.

Any ideas folks????


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Makes you really question Best Buy
Submitted by McDonoughDawg on Fri, 01/20/2006 - 10:46pm.

I was glad the store was built, and I think it can be a credit to our Community. BUT, I have to seriously question Best Buy's hiring practices and policing of itself in this matter. Maybe Cash is the best policy at Best Buy.

Kudos to the PTC Police on this one.

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Anywhere, anytime
livininPTC's picture
Submitted by livininPTC on Mon, 01/23/2006 - 12:32pm.

This could have happened anywhere, anytime:

At your local gas station, the grocery store and even your own mail box. Don't blame Best Buy (although I hate the place and will never shop there, but I wouldn't shop at any electronic big box store), but be happy that PTC law enforcement was on the ball and tracked these guys down in no time.

note to all of us:
Be very careful with your financial information, it only takes one time for someone to steal any of it.


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Fraud Vicitm
Submitted by PTCGuy on Fri, 01/20/2006 - 7:54pm.

I am unfortunate enough to be a victim of this couple. This type of fraud is very prevelant. Kudos to the Peachtree City Police Dept and all other agencies involved in this investigation and arrest. We are very fortunate to have such talented and dedicated law enforcement officers serving our community...

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True!
livininPTC's picture
Submitted by livininPTC on Mon, 01/23/2006 - 12:33pm.

Well said, I just hope they didn't cause you too much harm/damage and you'll be able to repair your credit history.


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This cannot be stopped by *hiring practices*
nuk's picture
Submitted by nuk on Mon, 01/23/2006 - 1:34pm.

Forget Best Buy for a second....how many of you give a teenager or other person you have never met in your life your credit card when you are eating at a restaurant? Then they disappear with it and re-appear. Anyone think that fraud could easily happen there too?

Fraud is a fact of life and can be minimized but never eliminated. When you're talking money, there will always be those who wish to steal it from someone else. It's been that way since time began. Best Buy isn't the problem.

NUK


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