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Published on Tuesday, April 13, 2004
in the polkonline.com
DAVENPORT - Following six months of investigations, the Florida Highway Patrol Bureau of Investigations arrested six Davenport residents for organized fraud and identity theft exceeding $50,000 from local retail stores on Monday.
The victims included Wal-Mart, Lowes, Home Depot, 7-11, Tractor Supply Co., Belks, Winn-Dixie Supermarkets, and other individuals, including a law enforcement officer in the Haines City and Davenport areas.
The value of the merchandise exceeded $50,000 at each retail location, FHP Public Affairs Officer Larry Coggins said.
The individuals arrested include Dena Smith, 41; Danny Smith, 55; William Barber, 42; Theresa Mannion, 42; and Gregory Wayne Bobo, 34; and Eleanor Thompkins, 26.
Harold Bobo, 53, the alleged seventh member of this group, has not yet been caught.
Both Gregory Bobo and Thompkins were already serving time for previous charges, unrelated to these incidents. They were charged on April 8 with identity theft.
The six arrested were booked into the Polk County Jail on Monday and were held on $50,000 bond.
All were charged with organized fraud/defraud over $50,000. Gregory Bobo also received charges of criminal use of personal ID over $50,000 and seven counts of grand theft.
If convicted of felony theft, each of the suspects could face up to a maximum of 25 years in prison.
Coggins said the group was allegedly stealing mail from residents in the Haines City and Davenport areas, including personal information and checks.
Through creating false identification cards, the members were able to write checks at local retail stores and receive cash advances on the stolen accounts, investigators said.
"Identity theft is a significant problem for all Floridians, even law enforcement officers," Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist said. " We cannot be too careful or vigilant in protecting our personal information."
Whenever criminals use fraudulent driver's licenses to commit crimes, the Florida Highway Patrol Bureau of Investigations handles the investigation under the Department of Transportation.
Anyone with information regarding Harold Bobo can call the FHP's bureau of Investigations at (407) 858-3234.