LA College Student Allegedly Defrauds Victims To Pay For Tuition, Hair Extensions And More
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Authorities have arrested a community college student in connection with a widespread identity theft spree, linked to hundreds of potential victims across the Southland and beyond.
Reon Jordan, 34, was arrested Tuesday by detectives of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Community College Bureau following a nine-month investigation.
Detectives say Jordan allegedly used fraudulently obtained credit card numbers and identities to purchase gift cards to pay tuition at West Los Angeles Community College.
"Additionally, the investigation has revealed that Suspect Jordan afforded herself hair extensions, clothing, jewelry and airline tickets to Alaska with her proceeds from the scheme," Deputy Kim Manatt said.
Jordan reportedly obtained her victim's information through her prior employment at ABEO, a medical billing company with offices in Pasadena.
"She had been employed by the company since 2008, where she potentially had access to thousands of client identity profiles," Dept. Manatt added.
At the time of her arrest, she had more than 400 identity profiles and 200 credit card numbers for other victims in her possession, according to authorities.
Victims of the scheme have been located in Los Angeles, Torrance, Santa Monica, Topanga, Malibu, Mammoth Lakes, Tennessee and Mississippi.
Jordan was arrested at her home and booked at the South Los Angeles Sheriff's Station. She is being charged with Grand Theft, Burglary and Unauthorized Use of Personal Identifying Information.
Her bail is set at $1.2 million.
Detectives believe there may be additional possible victims that have yet to be identified.
Anyone who may have information about the incident should contact the LASD's Community College Bureau at (323) 669-7555.
Additionally, anyone who prefers to provide information anonymously may do so by calling "Crime Stoppers" at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or by texting TIPLA, along with your tip, to CRIMES (274637), or by visiting the LA Crime Stoppers website.
