LCSO: Lee County woman charged in identity theft, fraud investigation; $48K stolen by woman
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A Lee County woman is facing a list of charges involved in an identity theft investigation in which she allegedly stole over $48,000 dollars.
Lee County investigators say they received an on-line report from the University of Florida in reference to someone assuming the identity of the president of the Council of Academic Deans for Research Education Institutions, and acting as such, instructed the payment of $23,400.00 be paid to her by another organization officer.
Lee County Sheriff’s Investigators executed a search warrant at the residence of 45-year-old Meredith Diane Craft, in the 200 block of Lee Road 2040 in the Phenix City area of Lee County, at which time evidence of additional fraudulent activity and theft was located on September 22, 2023.
“Investigators contacted multiple victims based on evidence recovered, and it was determined that Craft assumed multiple identities and acted in character to defraud her victims,” investigators said. “Investigators have determined that approximately $48,267.00 has been stolen by Craft so far and more charges are expected.” Other victims affected by Craft’s crimes include Idaho Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, the American Board of Animal Acupuncture, Inc., as well as a private citizen.
Craft was arrested and charged with two counts of Forgery 3rd Degree, two counts of Theft of Property 1st Degree, two counts of Possession of a Forged Instrument, two counts of Forgery 2nd Degree, one count of Theft of Property 2nd Degree, and one count of Identity Theft.
She has since made bond in the amount of $34,000.00 and has been released from the Lee County Jail.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 334-749-5651 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867).
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