(Updated Release: June 6, 2017)
After a lengthy investigation, Financial Crimes detectives arrested prolific fraudster Alexia Devlin on January 24th for 54 felony crimes. She was released a week later and immediately started committing additional financial crimes. As detectives worked the new cases, they served 13 search warrants where they seized large amounts of financial crime evidence in numerous jurisdictions. The investigation resulted in three additional charges of Identity Theft 1, seven counts of Identity Theft 2nd and seven counts of Possession of Stolen Property.
On May 19th, Alexia Devlin missed a hearing and $400,000 in warrants were issued and she was arrested on May 26th at a residence in Mukilteo. As detectives continued investigating, an additional 19 fraud charges were added over the first weekend in June.
Detectives continue working through the evidence seized in the 13 search warrants and additional charges are expected to be forthcoming.
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(Original Release: January 25, 2017)
EVERETT – After a lengthy investigation, a prolific fraudster has been arrested for 54 felony crimes and is believed to have stolen more than $50,000.
For several months, Financial Crimes detectives worked with the Mill Creek and Mukilteo Police Departments to investigate a substantial fraud ring that culminated in the arrest of a 36 year-old Mukilteo woman. Detectives believe the suspect, Alexia Devlin, used Airbnb and other vacation rental companies to target her victims. When Devlin moved into a rental, she would steal the personal information that the owners left behind as a means to create new identities or take over existing ones. With that information, she opened bank accounts, credit cards and withdrew cash.
“Our detectives have done an excellent and in-depth investigation on this case,” says Financial Crimes Sergeant Matt Mekelburg. “We are continuing to investigate this suspect and expect to find additional information that leads to more victims. It’s unfortunate that victims had their personal information stolen and used for criminal activity. While we understand the concept, we want people to recognize the risks of renting out their homes, and leaving personal information behind.”
As the investigation continues, detectives have recommended twenty-two (22) ID Theft 1, twenty-four (24) ID Theft 2, and eighteen (18) forgery charges to the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office.
News Releases are located at: www.everettwa.gov/police
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