LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- Two people have been arrested and accused of charging over $9,000 on a credit card stolen from a deceased person.
53-year-old Darren Kingston and 36-year-old Annie Sallee are each charged with Credit Card Fraud, Criminal Use of the Identity of a Deceased Person and Grand Theft.
According to the Lee County Sheriff's Office, the investigation began in late August when detectives received information regarding possible fraud. The anonymous tip reported that someone was using the social security monthly benefits of a deceased person.
Detectives discovered that on November 3, 2015, a person was found unresponsive in a residence and died at the scene. They learned that the decedent's credit card was used regularly after his death to purchase items and withdraw cash at several locations within Lee County.
The investigation revealed that just hours following his death, the victim's credit card pin number was changed and the card was in steady use afterwards. The transaction history showed there were constant balance inquiries and card activity dating from November 3, 2015 through September 1, 2016. The card was used for a total of $9,231.17 in purchases and cash withdrawals during that period.
Detectives located and viewed security video from several locations where the card was used. After reviewing the video and following up on information learned through the investigation, detectives were able to develop Kingston and Sallee as the persons responsible for the crimes.
