Bridgeport Man Charged With Identity Theft: Westport PD

WESTPORT, CT — Police said a 29-year-old Bridgeport man has been charged with identity theft following an incident that occurred last year in Westport. According to a press release, police said a Tierney Lane resident reported a theft of mail from her mailbox on Sept. 11.

Police said the resident was alerted to the theft after receiving a call from Patriot Bank, advising her that two men attempted to cash one of her checks for $450. The check was made out to "Jermaine Smalls" and the resident’s signature had been forged, police said.

"The check was cancelled by the bank because of the unrecognizable signature, resulting in no financial loss to the victim," Lieutenant Jillian Cabana said in a release.

According to police, the check was one of seven that were stolen from the resident and fraudulently deposited into various accounts.

"The check written to 'Jermaine Smalls' was deposited at an ATM into the personal checking account of Jermaine Smalls of Bridgeport," Cabana said. "ATM photographs also confirmed Smalls was one of two males making the ATM deposit."

An arrest warrant application for the accused was submitted and subsequently approved.

On May 25, Westport Police responded to the Wilton Police Department, where the accused was being detained on the outstanding warrant, police said. He was transported to Westport Police headquarters, where he was charged with third-degree identity theft and third-degree forgery.