Bellaire police said they uncovered personal identifying information for approximately 250 potential victims.
BELLAIRE, Texas — In his first interview since becoming Bellaire’s top cop just two weeks ago, Chief Jason Hester spoke with us about a traffic stop this week that launched a much bigger identity theft investigation.
“Identity theft has always been an issue,” said Hester. “It’s been on the rise as of late.”
Hester said officers conducted a traffic stop along Cedar Street after a tip from authorities in New Braunfels regarding a fraud suspect believed to be in the area.
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Inside the vehicle, police found personal identifying information, like addresses, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers, belonging to approximately 250 victims.
The driver, identified as Wendy Meyers, was arrested on numerous outstanding warrants out of Guadalupe, Harris and Montgomery counties.
So far, police here have identified 128 potential victims from the evidence they uncovered.
“We would like to impress upon the general public to ensure that they’re monitoring their credit report and subscribe to any of these services that are offered,” said Hester. “Pay close attention to be vigilant in identity theft that’s happening.”
Right now, the investigation includes figuring out how identifying information from all of these people may have been obtained, whether electronically or through mail theft.
Meanwhile, a passenger in the car with Meyers, Joel Johnson, was arrested on unrelated warrants for burglary and assault, although Bellaire Police told us their investigation is far from over and not limited to their jurisdiction.
“It is not, no,” said Hester.
Officials said you should freeze any accounts you suspect are compromised and report them.
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