Headlines
OPD Uncovers Large-Scale Credit Card Fraud Ring
A large-scale identity theft and credit card fraud ring centered out of the north Mississippi area has resulted in two arrests thus far with more arrests pending.
The investigation began when two separate reports came into the Oxford Police Department in early November where victims had their names and credit card numbers used over the phone at businesses in Oxford.
The suspects were purchasing furniture, animal supplies, landscaping materials, and building supplies over the phone.
Investigators with OPD and deputies with the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department were able to identify a suspect, who came and picked up the fraudulently purchased items, as Colby Gulledge, 25 of Thaxton. Gulledge was arrested on Wednesday, Nov. 27, at his residence and brought back to Oxford.
Information was given to investigators which led to the execution of a search warrant of a residence controlled by Karry Davidson, 39, of Shannon in Lee County with the assistance of the Lee County Sheriff’s Department. The search warrant lead to the discovery of fraudulently purchased goods related to crimes in Oxford and Lee County. Davidson was not on scene.
More information lead to two more search warrants at the residences of Joseph Moore, 33, of Pontotoc and Randell Moore, 35 of Pontotoc in Pontotoc County on Dec. 3, with the assistance of the Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Department. Investigators located evidence of identity theft and credit card fraud at both residences which were tied back to known open investigations in Oxford, Batesville, Aberdeen and Tupelo.
Joseph Moore was arrested at his residence and transported back to Oxford. Randell Moore was not on scene. Evidence gathered from Joseph Moore’s house linked Audrey Souter, 31, of Pontotoc to the ring.
Colby Gullege has been charged with credit card fraud and was given a bond of $5,000 by a Justice Court Judge. He has since been arrested by the Batesville Police Department. Joseph Moore has been charged with two counts of credit card fraud and two counts of conspiracy to commit credit card fraud. He was given a bond of $25,000 by a Justice Court Judge. Joseph has since been revoked by the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
OPD suspects that there are more victims in other jurisdictions throughout Mississippi and Alabama. If you believe you were a possible victim please contact your local law enforcement agency and tell them about this investigation.
The Oxford Police Department has active felony warrants for Karry Davidson, Randell Moore and Audrey Souter. If you have information about their whereabouts contact the Oxford Police Department at 662-232-2400 or CrimeStoppers at 662-234-8477.
Hottytoddy.com Staff Report