Sheriff's Office Uncovers Fraudulent Credit Card Operation In Traffic Stop

Darren Doyle, story:
Three Texas men have been arrested and face multiple charges after local law enforcement discovered a credit card scam operation after a traffic stop earlier today, according to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies conducted a traffic stop at Mis Amigos Restaurant on a 2015 Dodge truck after receiving a complaint that the occupants were trying to use credit cards suspected of being fraudulent. The vehicle was occupied by Mr. Maikel Laverdeza , 31, Mr. Edil Gonzales, 32 and Mr. Rangel Benitez, 34, all three currently of Houston Texas.

The Sheriff's Office said that probable cause to search the vehicle was discovered and dozens of credit cards were found stashed throughout the vehicle, as well as $7,000 in cash. Also found in the truck was an envelope of money orders, along with computers and a credit card swipe machine. Through the help of KSP DESI West and the US Dept of Homeland Security, it was discovered all of the credit cards were fraudulent and contained information of victims of identity theft.

All equipment, credit cards, $7,000 in cash and $9,000 in money orders were seized by the Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Shane Doyle discussed the elaborate scheme.

"Thanks to a tip and good work from our deputies, a pretty big operation was stopped today," he said. "I'm sure these guys thought they'd pass through our little county unnoticed, but we take great pride in being able to handle all different types of cases. I'm proud of what our office is able to accomplish and we're fourtunate to have great working relationships with the Department of Homeland Security and KSP, who both helped in this investigation."

MAIKEL LAVERDEZA, 31 Houston, TX

EDIL GONZALEZ, 32 Houston, TX

RAGEL BENITEZ, 34, Hempstead, TX

​All three men were arrested and charged with:

• Trafficking in stolen identity
• Criminal Possession of a forged instrument 1st degree
• False making or embossing of credit card
• Unauthorized production of credit card
• Theft of identity without consent

Laverdeza was also charged with obstructed view or windshield, careless driving, and other traffic violations.
Benitez was also charged with Tampering with physical evidence.

All were lodged in the Hart County Jail. Also assisting was the Brownsville Police Department and the District 2 Constable.

​*As is the case with all published articles on EdmonsonVoice.com, comments without a first and last name and an email address are not published. All comments are subject for review and must adhere to the Edmonson Voice commenting policy which is posted on this site.