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Two Louisiana women, Deavian Andrews and Tynea Gray, were indicted by a Troup County Grand Jury on Aug. 1st, 2022, for Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering, an offense that, if convicted, could net them a sentence of 5 to 20 years in prison, according to a press release from the Troup County Sheriff’s Office.

On April 7, Captain Nathan Taylor of TCSO, conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 85 near mile marker 19 after observing a window tint violation on the vehicle. After stopping the vehicle, Taylor noticed signs of criminal activity and a search of the vehicle was conducted.

During the search of the vehicle, Taylor located numerous items indicating the two were possible involved in identity theft and printing checks to be cashed on unknowing victim’s accounts. Also discovered in the vehicle were numerous stolen COVID-19 vaccination cards taken from a physician’s office, false VIN stickers suspected for use on stolen vehicles, and multiple debit and credit cards belonging to other people.

According to the press release, investigator James Robson of the Criminal Investigations Division began investigating the case and found that the two were in possession of approximately $22,400 of forged money orders and $45,949.31 in suspected forged checks. Robson also located evidence that the two were actively recruiting other members of what TCSO called a “criminal enterprise” to take advantage of innocent victims. Andrews and Gray are also suspected of defrauding the federal government in PPP loan and unemployment fraud, according to TCSO.

At the time of her arrest, Gray was wanted by Louisiana agencies for related offenses and was later transferred to them. She is currently in federal custody for charges of federal mail fraud and wire fraud.

Andrews is still in custody in Troup County. TCSO estimated their enterprise is responsible for well over $500,000 in identity fraud.   

It is estimated that in 2021, Identity Theft impacted nearly 42 million Americans resulting in approximately 52 billion dollars in losses, according to TCSO.