Identity theft evidence spans multiple states

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

Two people arrested with documents that point to identity theft in Texas and states beyond remained in Burnet County Jail Thursday, Feb. 2.

The Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD) have been investigating more than two weeks a case in which Shayne Thomas Negri, 27, of Burnet and Stella Marie Hernandez, 37, of Kingsland were arrested Friday, Jan. 27.

“The management of Hill Country Express contacted us Jan. 13, after people left without paying,” said MFPD Detective Sgt. Trisha Ratliff. “When they went to clean out the room they found what appeared to be drug paraphernalia and wanted it removed safely.

“We did locate paraphernalia along with information identifying multiple victims of identity theft such as ID and credit cards, other forms of ID, personal mail and any number of different documents. They ranged to multiple states.”

Ratliff said that, after initial arrest warrants were issued, the two suspects were located Jan. 27 at the Hill Country Inn in Marble Falls.

“We served warrants for fraud and identity theft at, the time of arrest, they were found to be in possession of identification for some of the same victims,” said Ratliff. “We are continuing forensic analysis but we have been able to contact most of the victims. One of them had lost her wallet about five years ago. She knew some of the cards that had been taken but didn't realize the extent of them.”

Each of the two faces charges of fraud for possession and use of 50 or more items of identifying information, forgery of a financial instrument and possession of a controlled substance, from 4-200 grams.

Negri is held on bonds totaling $240,000 and a parole hold out of Austin.

Hernandez, charged with a second count of fraud, has bonds totaling $340,000.

Ratliff said quick reporting of stolen identification, credit cards or checks is important, but semi-annual credit reports can help people learn about other fraud not reflected in bank and credit card statements.

“In some instances actors are on line or identification information is sold, but in some instances we can help,” said Ratliff.