SAN DIEGO–On April 1, Jamie Cuellar discovered she was the victim of identity theft. She was alerted to the theft because the suspect had used Cuellar’s credit card information to make an unauthorized purchase at the Walmart in Santee.
The fraudulent purchase was made using the Walmart App at a self-check lane in the amount of $124.72. The retailer was able to capture the purchase from its surveillance system. Using that footage, a bulletin with a still image of the suspect was posted for the public through San Diego Crime Stoppers in identifying the suspect.
Through tips from the public, Santee investigators identified Maria Gaffney as the suspect that made the fraudulent purchase. Gaffney and her boyfriend, Frank Kennedy were contacted at their residence in Santee during a probation compliance check. A search of the property resulted in the discovery of stolen mail, identification cards, and social security cards.
Further evidence of fraud was located within the residence; such as washed checks and computers and printers used for printing checks. An illegal assault weapon and narcotics were also seized during the search.
Investigators from the Santee Station will contact people to determine whether or not they are additional victims of crimes.
