Raleigh man charged with identity theft after months-long investigation
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Raleigh man is facing multiple felony charges after a months-long identity theft investigation conducted by the Wake County Sheriff's Office in partnership with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
According to the sheriff's office, investigators received a report on Jan. 26, from a victim who said he had received notifications about fraudulent withdrawals from his bank accounts and unauthorized credit applications made in his name.
Authorities said investigators spent several months examining the case and identified a suspect through their investigation. During that time, detectives coordinated with law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal levels regarding what officials described as related fraud investigations, court orders and search warrants.
On Aug. 3, the sheriff's office was contacted by a federal agency, which informed investigators that it had obtained a federal warrant for the same suspect in connection with other fraud-related crimes, officials said.
Three days later, on Aug. 6, deputies located and arrested Olajuwon Thompson, 38, in Raleigh.
Thompson has been charged with:
- Eight counts of felony identity theft
- Two counts of felony conspiracy to obtain property by false pretenses
The Wake County Sheriff's Office said the investigation highlights the growing number of fraud and scam cases reported by community members.
"Every day law enforcement agencies receive reports of scams and fraud targeting members of our community. While the investigations take time, our office is committed to holding those responsible accountable," Sheriff Willie Rowe said in a statement. "This arrest highlights the importance of working with our local, state, and federal partners to use every resource available across jurisdictions."
Officials have not released additional details about the alleged fraud scheme. The investigation remains ongoing.
