Blank Credit Card Scheme Ends in Arrest for Brooklyn Man

A Brooklyn man was arrested near the North Shore Mall allegedly in possession of more than 100 blank credit cards as well as merchandise he purchased with some of those credit cards.

Luis M. Melendez, 57, of Brooklyn, NY, was arrested following a traffic stop late Wednesday morning. He was charged with possession of blank credit cards and the use of a motor vehicle without authorization. Melendez was scheduled to be arraigned in district court on Thursday morning.

Peabody police praised keen observation of a management member of the Northshore Mall in leading to Melendez’s arrested by Peabody Police Department detectives.

Following a traffic stop, Peabody police stated Melendez was found to be in possession of fraudulent and counterfeit charge cards which were being utilized to purchase high value merchandise in the Northshore Mall as well as malls located between Brooklyn, NY, and the North Shore. A large quantity of this merchandise was located within the vehicle.

The vehicle was rented in Brooklyn with fraudulent information, leading to the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle charge, and was returned to the local branch of the rental car company.

Participating in the investigation were Deputy Chief Marty Cohan, Captain Scott Wlasuk, Lieutenant Bill Cook, Sgt. David Bonfanti and arresting officer detective Ralph Scopa.