Providence Woman Charged With Identity Theft

SMITHFIELD, RI — A 19-year-old Providence woman went to the Kohl's in Smithfield on two days in April and used another person's identity to make fraudulent purchases, police allege. Elba F. Rodriguez-Lantiqua allegedly bought gift cards totaling $696.99 and $953.29, respectively at the Kohl's on April 25, and on April 29, making seven transactions over a period of one-hour. Smithfield officers investigated a complaint on May 4 from the store.

Loss Prevention claimed she used the identity of a female from California to make the fraudulent purchases. The Smithfield Police subsequently obtained an arrest warrant for Ms. Rodriguez-Lantiqua. She is being charged with Identity Fraud, with seven (7) counts of Obtaining Money under False Pretenses and as a Fugitive from Justice.

On Friday, May 26, she was picked up by the Rhode Island State Police and turned over the Smithfield Police based on the Smithfield arrest warrant. She was also wanted in Hingham, Mass., for larceny. Ms. Rodriguez-Lantiqua was taken to Kent County Court in Warwick, where she appeared before the Honorable Judge Elaine T. Bucci. No plea was entered and she was released on $10,000 bail with surety. She is due back in court on Aug. 23.