THOMSON, Ga. --- McDuffie County authorities have arrested seven people suspected in a nationwide credit card theft ring that could involve hundreds of victims. At least two of the suspects in custody have been linked to a case involving Washington State Police, according to McDuffie County Sheriff's Department Investigator Larry Adaway.
"This is an ongoing investigation and we anticipate more charges being filed against those already in custody," Investigator Adaway said. "We've been involved in this investigation since February."
Investigator Adaway said additional arrests might involve several other counties. Thomson Police Department and Warren County Sheriff's Department have been involved in the investigation so far, Investigator Adaway said.
Washington State Police Detective David Startup has been in Thomson taking part, as well.
Investigator Adaway said at least 80 credit card numbers assigned to the Washington State Police have been compromised. Local authorities have linked at least one of those stolen numbers to two of the people arrested.
"The magnitude of this investigation stretches so far, we don't know when or where it's going to end," Investigator Adaway said.
Those arrested are Lakita Sinkfield, Avery Thomas. Lindsey Roberts and Shontae Thomas, Keither Cummings, all of Thomson; Shawana Walker, Warrenton; and Antonio Tanksley, of Norwood.
Charges against the suspects differ, but several remained jailed in the McDuffie County Law Enforcement Center in Thomson.
Those charged with one count of transaction financial card fraud include: Ms. Sinkfield, Mr. Thomas, Ms. Roberts, Mr. Cummings and Mr. Tanksley, Investigator Adaway said.
Shontae Thomas, who is the sister of Avery Thomas, along with Ms. Walker, each are charged with seven counts of transaction financial card fraud and one count of credit card theft, he said.
Some of the arrests followed attempts to purchase auto parts with stolen credit card numbers, Investigator Adaway said. A variety of other items, such as flat-screen television sets, cellular telephones and other items also have been purchased.
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scum bags!
I assume from the names that those arrested are our so-called African Americans. These people are too stupid to hold an honest job but man they can do a job on you with fraud and theft. One of their favorites is washing checks. I hope catching and convicting them of stealing from others is not confused with a violation of their civil rights. I wouldn't trust any of them in an outhouse with a muzzle on.
JUst the facts, It also happens with names like Fred, Ann, Mary, and Bill. I do agree with you about holding an honest job for anyone with any of the names you or I have mentioned.
Stop the racist comments. Crime is committed by whites also. One word...ERON. Not to mention all the bailouts from so called white collar crimes. African Americans are not stupid. We help built this country. Remember your white ancestor stole Africans and brought them to this country. Whites have been bringing drugs into this country for years. Blacks do not own planes, nor ships that smuggle the crap in. How many people in your family have a college degree???? I have been employed at the same job for over 12 years. You are stupid and racist. All people committ crimes. US belonged to the Indians before the whites stole it. Screw all you White skinhead pigs.
my..my.. another4u.......aa's did not build this country the Chinese and the Irish did. Blacks were sold into slavery by their brothers..just like today. So take your Govt. issued meds and chill..mmmkay?
another4u2nve, you are full of hate and are off the subject. I agree that AA's are not stupid just as whites are not stupid. But that there are some in both races that are not stand up citizens and the people in the article are not stand up citizens. To also correct you on one subject, the slaves were stolen from their homes by their own kind and sold to the black slave traders of Africa and the white slave traders of the US and other countries. Slave trading still goes on today in other parts of the world as young girls and boys are sold by their parents and stolen from their homes and sold as sex slaves. I also agree that drugs are awful and that only whites bring drugs into this country. People of both races do it for the profit and could care less how many lives the tear apart. I hate all drug dealers alike. By the way, I have been at my same job 39 years and Ido believe your last sentence is racist. Mine was not, I was reminding justthefacts that all people of all races commit crimes.
Thank you ww1949, only point I disagree is the drug trade, it isn't only whites bringing drugs into the county, there are alot of Haitians involved in drug trading in this county there is also alot of white, hispanics and Asians that are involved in it. It runs rampid in all communities and we are all affected by it in some way. As long as people of all races have no morales and no respect for others it will only get worse but unfortunately we live in a ME society.