Two Incidents Of Identity Thefts Reported In Bedminster

BEDMINSTER, NJ — Two incidents of identity theft were among the incidents reported in Bedminster last week.

Bedminster Police Blotter items:

On Aug. 30 at 11:40 a.m.: A Bedminster resident responded to headquarters in regard to Identity theft. The resident stated that he received a phone call from the “IRS” on Aug. 29 stating that he owed back taxes and was committing a felony by not providing the proper information to the IRS when he filed his taxes this year. The resident provided the caller with some personal information to include his proper full name, social security number and date of birth. After the information was provided the person told him he would be contacted at a later date as to possible penalties he may have to pay. The call came from a blocked number. The resident realized this to be a scam and contacted all three credit bureaus.

On Aug. 31 at 8:15 p.m.: Bedminster Police responded to Matthews Drive for a report of identity theft. Upon arrival, the officer made contact with the caller who advised at 6:30 p.m. when he was going through his mail he discovered a Lowe’s credit card had been opened in his name. Upon calling Lowes, they advised him the card was opened at the Hillsborough store on Aug. 24 with a credit limit of $6,000 and at this point $5,335.31 had been charged. His name and social security number were used to open the card. The investigation is still pending.

On Aug. 31 at approximately 9:43 p.m.: While on DUI patrol on Rt. 287 SB, Bedminster Police observed a black Ford Fusion traveling southbound on Rt. 287 at a high rate of speed in the right lane. Subsequent to the investigation, Cisco Garcia, age 18 of Wilmington, DE was arrested for possession of CDS under 50 grams, possession of paraphernalia and issued motor vehicle summonses for careless driving and operation of motor vehicle with CDS.

On Sept. 1 at approximately 2:51 p.m.: While running stationary radar on Schley Mountain Rd., Bedminster Police observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. Subsequent to the investigation, Christopher Parker, age 35 of Sussex Ct in Bedminster was arrested on a traffic ticket out of Clifton for $1,000. Parker posted bail and was released pending a new court date.

On Sept. 1 at approximately 4:38 p.m.: Bedminster Police were dispatched to the PNC Bank (470 Rte 202-206) for a report of a Hispanic male attempting to open a fraudulent line of credit with a fake Pennsylvania Driver’s license. Subsequent to the investigation, Pedro Almonte, age 28 of New York, NY was arrested for false uttering 3rd degree and using a fake credit card. Almonte was lodged in Somerset County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

On Sept. 2 at approximately 11:28 a.m.: While traveling southbound on Rt. 202/206 by Somerset Financial, a random check of a Nissan Altima’s plate came back with a hit for an expired registration. Subsequent to the investigation, the driver, Hugo Ayala-Funes, age 34 of Plainfield was arrested for a $300 traffic warrant out of North Plainfield. Ayala-Funes was also issued motor vehicle summonses for failure to possess a driver’s license and unregister motor vehicle. Bail was posted.

On Sept. 2 at approximately 4:25 p.m.: Bedminster Police were advised by Somerville Police of a subject in custody on a Bedminster warrant. Kenneth Ziemski, age 63 of Bound Brook was arrested on a Bedminster traffic warrant for $1,000. Ziemski was released on his own recognizance with a new court date.

On Sept. 4 at 3:32 p.m.: Bedminster Police responded to Somerset Valley Urgent Care for a theft report. Upon arrival the officer made contact with the Doctor on scene who advised a patient was placed in room 5 and the nurses laid a sealed surgical pack out that contained scissors and two other items. The doctor advised she did not need to use the pack and realized after the patient was released that the scissors had been removed. The scissors are valued at $40. The doctor did not want an investigation at this time and only requested a matter of record.

(Image via Shutterstock)

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.