During a traffic stop earlier this week, a Madison Police Officer noticed the tag on the vehicle had been switched, and later confirmed the vehicle was stolen out of Carmel, Indiana.
During the course of the investigation, officers located an embossing machine which was being used to create fraudulent credit cards. The cards were imprinted with the names and information of individuals who had their identity stolen.
In addition, several blank credit cards were located in the vehicle along with fictitious credit cards, false identifications, a computer containing the false identifications, and a magnetic strip scanner for loading the information on the cards.
Investigators with the Madison Police Department have been in contact with several agencies including Chicago PD, Carmel, Indiana PD, Homeland Security, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Madison/Rankin District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation has revealed that this incident is part of a multi-state car theft ring where vehicles are being rented using fraudulent credit cards and later reported stolen once the rental agency realizes the rental was fraudulently obtained.
The individuals arrested include:
- 25-year-old Joshua A. Rabb of Chicago, Illinois was charged with receiving stolen property and conspiracy to commit identity theft.
- 26-year-old Antwan Jones of Chicago, Illinois was charged with receiving stolen property and conspiracy to commit identity theft.
- 26-year-old Deon L. Diggs of Chicago, Illinois was charged with receiving stolen property and conspiracy to commit identity theft.
- 21-year-old Davian Hilson of Gary, Indiana was charged with receiving stolen property and conspiracy to commit identity theft.
- 23-year-old Kiera Williams of Gary, Indiana was charged with conspiracy to commit identity theft.
All suspects involved have made their initial appearance before a Madison Municipal Judge.
The case is ongoing and other arrests are expected.
