Full Notification

(HOUSTON, TX) - Harris County Sheriff’s Office investigators arrested four people in connection to an identity theft ring operating in East Harris County.

The investigation was initiated by internal investigators employed by an area bank who noticed a large number of credit cards being shipped to one address.

The HCSO’s Financial Crimes Unit followed up on the information, and on March 2, 2015, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office presented charges against Crystal Ballinger, Cody Ligori, Tina Harrington, and Kenneth Grimet. All four were indicted by a grand jury for First Degree Felony Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity relating to fraudulent possession of identifying information. Their photos are attached.

The victims’ identifying information was stolen through purse snatchings and burglaries committed in Harris County. Approximately 200 victims and more than 300 pieces of identifying information were linked to the defendanst in this case.

The HCSO’s Financial Crimes Unit is dedicated to identifying and capturing perpetrators of identity theft.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office recommends that all citizens obtain a free annual credit report and monitor their bank and credit card statements regularly. If you notice any unauthorized transactions contact your credit card company and make a police report immediately.

See something? Say something!

iWatchHarrisCounty is the HCSO’s free mobile phone app that allows the public to report suspicious persons and/or activity anonymously, anywhere, any time.

For more information please visit www.iWatchHarrisCounty.com.

We watch Harris County and so should you