Crystal Ladawn Finley allegedly used a stolen identity to open up credit card accounts at big name stores such as Victoria’s Secret, Best Buy and more. (Southlake DPS)
A woman who is the subject of a viral letter from the Southlake Department of Public Safety (DPS) in Texas is on the loose once again, police say.
On April 24, Southlake DPS penned a letter to identity theft suspect Crystal Ladawn Finley, which read, “We’ve obvi been looking all over for you! You’ve been laying low since we last saw you, which was using an innocent Southlake victim’s identity to open up credit cards in person at a ton of stores in the metroplex.”
Finley allegedly used a stolen identity to open up credit card accounts at big-name stores such as Victoria’s Secret, Best Buy, Home Depot, Ashley Furniture and more.
“Luckily, the loss prevention guys prevented you from getting too much property, amiright?!” the letter continued, adding "And, OMG, we heard you were in an accident in Dallas and hope you're ok (even though you provided a fake ID to the other involved party).”
“SO! Here’s the scoop. We have the warrant and we are letting all of our besties know what you’ve been up to,” the officials wrote, advising the suspect to contact the detective on the case who will “totes fill you in.”
The letter ended with three words: “Gurl, CALL ME.”
Finley was arrested on Sunday by the Plano Police Department at an abandoned apartment. Someone called in a criminal trespassing complaint, Southlake DPS Officer Brad Uptmore told Fox News on Tuesday.
As she was arrested, Finley reportedly told officers, “I don’t know what you been reading on Facebook but that ain’t me.”
The Southlake DPS credited the viral letter as the primary way authorities were able to track Finley down, adding that they received hundreds of tips. Several calls about the case also led officials to information about other thefts and crimes in the area.
“[It has] helped us identify and bring other thieves to justice," the department said.
After she was arrested, Finley was taken to Collin County Jail, officials with the Plano Police Department told Uptmore.
She then complained of a medical emergency and was taken to a local hospital, the police department said, according to Uptmore. But after she arrived at the hospital, she refused treatment and was released.
“[There are] different policies and procedures for jails and hospitals across the nation,” he said, explaining why Finley was released.
As of now, local authorities aren't sure of Finley’s whereabouts. But the Plano Police Department, which is now handling the case, is actively looking for her, Uptmore said.
While the officer noted that Finley has not been accused of a “violent felony,” it’s “still important to bring her in,” adding that he hopes the public safety department’s “great new Facebook audience” will help authorities re-locate her.
“Godspeed,” said Uptmore.
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