The Edmond Sun

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November 4, 2009

Counterfeits bring indictments

MARK SCHLACHTENHAUFEN

EDMOND — Victimized businesses include Edmond Walmart



A federal grand jury Wednesday indicted a metro man who allegedly passed a counterfeit check at an Edmond Walmart, part of an ID theft scheme to pay for living expenses.

Timothy M. Declark, 30, of Norman, and Kimberly E. Trudeau, 22, of Norman, were named in a six-count indictment accusing them of conspiring to produce, possess and pass counterfeit checks and identity theft.

Declark also faces a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

If convicted on the firearm possession charge, Declark faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine or both. If convicted on the charges related to the counterfeit check scheme, Declark and Trudeau face time in prison and hefty fines.

Declark’s and Trudeau’s attorneys did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Declark is being held in the Grady County jail. No bond amount was listed. Trudeau is being served with a notice. The government has recommended bond in the amount of $5,000 for Trudeau.

From January 2009 to September 2009 Declark is accused of obtaining personal ID information from victims by digging in trash or buying stolen mail, according to court papers. The information included names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, state driver’s license numbers, state ID numbers and bank account numbers.

Declark allegedly used a computer and software to produce counterfeit checks containing legitimate bank routing numbers and legitimate bank account numbers stolen from the victims.

He also is accused of using the computer to make fake state ID cards and state driver’s licenses containing his photograph but in the names of victims.

Declark allegedly bought merchandise and gift cards from businesses with the counterfeited checks and fake ID. He is accused of passing a counterfeit check at an Edmond Walmart on Sept. 7. The store location was not listed.

Trudeau, allegedly knowing that the merchandise had been bought illegally, returned it for cash refunds or gift cards and gave the cash or gift cards to Declark so he could pay their living expenses.

Glynda Chu, spokeswoman for the Edmond Police Department, said Edmond Police did not have any information on the case to release.



marks@edmondsun.com | 341-2121, ext. 108

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