Account Opened With Stolen Identity Paid For Pricey Purchases: NYSP

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — A Carmel man faces felony charges of identity theft and grand larceny in a case involving stolen identity.

The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation arrested Yariel Villegas Wednesday after a 9-month investigation.

Police said they were notified on Oct. 7 by the Mid-Hudson valley Credit Union about a larceny of $131,206.51. They began an extensive investigation that led them to Villegas, 24.

Police alleged that Villegas opened a fraudulent account with the credit union using the stolen identity of another individual, then made numerous expensive purchases throughout the Hudson Valley. Some of those fraudulent purchases were jewelry, clothing, and airline tickets, police said.

Villegas was arraigned in the Town of Ulster Court and was released on his own recognizance.