Authorities are currently searching for two people who stole the identities of 2 Virginia senators and a delegate and then used their identities to buy drugs, a bong, and dinner. Senate Majority Leader Richard Saslaw, Senator Toddy Puller of Mt. Vernon, and Delegate Tom Rust of Herndon were the victims.
After further investigation, authorities say that that Sky Manriquez, 21, and Bernell Bryan Washington, 24, opened several credit cards in the lawmakers’ name. The duo is also accused of changing one senator’s address. Investigators believe the two are staying with friends or relatives in California. After serving a search warrant to the address, investigators recovered several items of evidence including receipts that indicated the suspects purchased medical marijuana using the senator’s fake accounts.
Arrest warrants have issued for the two. Washington apparently has an active $60,000 arrest warrant alleging identity theft, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of ammunition by a prohibited person. Manriquez has an active $25,000 arrest warrant charging her with identity theft.
It is believe the lawmakers were paying for their meal at a Virginia restaurant when the magnetic strips of their credit cards were stolen. Police say the information was obtained by skimming, that’s when credit cards are swiped using a machine that records the numbers. Statistics show such crimes usually involve a dishonest employee.
Saslaw says he was receiving calls from several credit card companies and banks saying they had received applications in his name.
The suspects posted pictures of themselves on Facebook using the stolen merchandise.
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