One charged with stealing Uniontown woman’s identity
A Washington, D.C., woman was charged Tuesday with identity theft for using a Uniontown woman’s information to obtain credit cards and charge more than $12,800 in purchases.
A warrant was issued for the arrest of Karen Denise Arnett, 50, whom state police Trooper James A. Pierce alleged acquired eight credit cards in the name of Leslie Ann Johnson between May 30 and June 4. Pierce said it was unclear how Arnett got Johnson’s personal information.
Arnett allegedly used the cards to buy clothing and other items at stores in Maryland and Virginia. Authorities were able to identify Arnett through surveillance footage at one of the stores where Arnett and another woman allegedly used one of the cards to make high-priced purchases.
Additionally, Pierce alleged that Arnett used a Pennsylvania driver’s license or photo identification to make the purchases. Police were able to catch up to Arnett using the registration plate of the vehicle she was driving.
In total, Pierce said Arnett applied for 15 credit cards, but was approved for eight of them. She charged a total of $12,813 in purchases, he said.
Pierce filed eight counts each of identity theft, access device fraud and forgery before Magisterial District Judge Joseph M. George Jr., who issued the warrant for Arnett.
Pierce said that Fayette County District Attorney Jack R. Heneks Jr. approved extradition in the case, and he will bring Arnett to Pennsylvania for arraignment on the counts.