Busted in a Medical Gown

Talk about getting caught with your pants down! A recent article in the Sacremento Bee highlights the humbling arrest of a Bay Area woman who stole the identities of several employees from one company that she obtained while working as a benefits clerk for Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers office. She went on several spending sprees and was even arrested once, but managed to get out on bail, only to rack up thousands more in stolen property. She even racked up $300,000 in one person's name.

What eventually led to the arrest of this individual was the $12,000 payment for a liposuction appointment using a credit card she opened in the name of one of these employees. Authorities were able to catch up with the identity thief while she was in a surgical gown waiting to have the liposuction. That walk to the police car must have been a bit drafty! Probably not the best outfit for a mugshot either. Nevertheless, she was sentenced to 12 years and 4 months in prison. Meanwhile, other victims are just now beginning to feel the results of this individual's actions and coming forth.

I hope that restitution is forthcoming for the remainder of her victims. It seems to me that some justice must be served for those victims who have yet to be identified or notified that something is wrong with their credit or unexplained bills, etc.