ID Theft Ringleader Jailed

PORTLAND, Ore. – A 43-year-old leader of a large-scale identity theft ring was sentenced to eight years behind bars last week for her role in the operation which siphoned an estimated $150,000 from innocent victims and area financial institutions–including Portland Teachers CU–by stealing purses, wallets, personal identification, checks, credit cards and other items from dozens of innocent victims. Prosecutors said Carol Crane and her ring used the stolen documents to make purchases and tap into the accounts of as many as 80 victims. Among the victims was a Lutheran pastor who left his credit cards in his desk while he held a Sunday service, and a preschool teacher who left her wallet in a closet during a music class. The Pastor said during the time it took him to conduct the service the thieves had already made $2,500 in transactions, including a withdrawal of $500 in cash at a casino. Six other individuals involved in the ID ring have also been sentenced.