News

Two Arrested for Credit Card Fraud Targeting Publix Super Market

Monday, September 17, 2012

The Lee County Sheriffs Office received a report of a theft and the use of counterfeit credit cards being used at several Publix Supermarkets. The unscrupulous duo targeted 15 supermarkets in Lee County and 2 in Collier County.

The suspects in this case would appear at the customer service desk with an order of consumer goods that included groceries, cigarettes and paper goods. Once the order was complete the suspects would present a Green Dot credit card in order to tender payment for the items purchased. The card's magnetic strip was unreadable so the card was entered manually. The sale was authorized by the vendor and the suspects immediately left with the goods. Approximately an hour later the victim received notification that the transaction was not approved by the financial institution.

Due to the nature of the crime Detectives of the Lee County Sheriffs Office Economic Crimes Unit were assigned to investigate.

 On September 4, 2012, Asiel Rodriguez and Viviana Gonzalez were arrested and charged accordingly:

 Asiel Rodriguez (DOB 09/09/1989) Scheme to defraud: 3 counts

Fraud use of credit card: 2 counts

Theft: 3 counts Utter counterfeit credit card: 17 counts

 Viviana Gonzalez (DOB 10/03/1992)

Scheme to defraud: 2 counts

Fraud use of credit card: 1 count

Theft: 2 counts

Utter counterfeit credit card: 4 counts

Inmate photos and additional information is available by visiting the Sheriff's Office website at www.sheriffleefl.org and clicking on the Arrest Search button on the home page.

Media inquiries are directed to Public Information Officer at 239-477-1340.

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