NY Man Accused Of Trying To Buy Booze With Fake Credit Card: DPD

DARIEN, CT — A 24-year-old Brooklyn, NY man was arrested on charges of forgery, identity theft, criminal impersonation and related violations after he allegedly tried to fraudulently acquire nearly $2,300 worth of high-end alcohol from a Darien liquor store, according to police.

The suspect, Jose Battle, allegedly called the Heights Road liquor store multiple times earlier this month in an effort to buy a case of Johnny Walker Blue, which he wanted to pay for over the phone using a credit card. Upon completion of the purchase, Battle allegedly said that he would meet a representative from the store at a local church in order to pick up the case.

"The [store] owner, feeling the request was suspicious, put the caller off until finally reaching out to a Detective at the Darien Police," wrote authorities in a statement.

As a result, the police department set up a sting-type operation with a detective posing as the store owner who contacted Battle by phone.

"The caller, identifying himself as 'Darren Patrick,' explained he wanted to purchase a case of Johnny Walker Blue. The caller inquired as to what the price would be, and was told the case would cost $2,297.04 (price as given to detectives by the liquor store owner)," wrote police. "The caller asked if the delivery could be made to St. Thomas Moore church. When asked why the delivery, the caller referenced not having enough room in his vehicle. The caller then gave detectives a credit card number, and the name Darren Patrick. Initially when asked to spell the last name, the caller gave 'Patrcik.' When challenged on the spelling, the caller stated it was 'spelled just how it sounds.' The detective asked him if it was spelled 'Patrick,' which the caller confirmed. Detectives informed the caller that they would run the card and call him back. The caller called several times to check on the status, at one point attempting to give the detective another card number because the first one 'might not work.' A check of the cards showed them as being bank accounts opened in Thailand."

After the detective claimed the transaction had been completed, Battle allegedly changed course and said he would pick up the merchandise at the store, and just before 3 p.m. on Nov. 12, he showed up to pick it up.

"Detectives entered the store and made contact with Darren," wrote Darien police. "Darren was unable to produce the credit card in question, and when asked for identification, provided a North Carolina driver’s license with the name Darren Patrick on it. Without the card in his possession, Darren was unable to give detectives the address listed on the identification. When questioned further, the individual explained that he had been paid by someone to pick up the case of liquor after it had been purchased over the phone. When asked who the person was who made the call, Darren stated he knew him only as 'A.' Darren said he’s known 'A' all his life, but was unable to give detectives a full or last name. Darren was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters."

At headquarters, Battle eventually gave police his real name, but he denied making the calls for the purchase. "When detectives called the number that had been used by 'Darren' to make the purchase, [Battle’s] phone rang."

Battle was charged with:

• Forgery, 1st degree
• Criminal Attempt to Larceny, 3rd degree
• Criminal Impersonation
• Identity Theft, 3rd degree
• Interfering with an Officer

He was held in lieu of bail of $50,000, and he is scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court at a later date.

Photo: Jose Battle. Photo credit: Darien Police Department

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