VALDOSTA —
Vehicles, drugs and money were seized Monday morning when authorities investigating a tax fraud and identity theft ring descended upon two city residences, according to the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.
A man and a woman were arrested at approximately 6:30 a.m. Monday when authorities executed a warrant at a residence in the 900 block of Lausanne Drive and another at a residence in the 800 block of Woodlawn Drive, said Lowndes County Sheriff Chris Prine.
Investigators were looking into “a large number of identity theft cases all associated with fraudulent income tax filings,” according to the sheriff’s office.
The action on the two residences was part of a joint operation between investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Secret Service, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and Southwest Georgia Gang Task Force, Prine said.
Authorities discovered 35 grams of marijuana, and officials seized money, property and several vehicles. However, the sheriff said the investigation was still ongoing and that both suspects face the possibility of additional charges.
Belinda Renee “Turbo” Harris, 27, was arrested and charged with three counts of felony financial identity fraud, according to reports.
Aaron Lamar Casey, 20, was arrested and charged with felony possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, reports stated.
Both of the suspects were transported to the Lowndes County Jail, where they awaited an arraignment hearing.
Anyone having any information on this incident or any other crimes are urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office, (229) 671-2950.
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