Woman Arrested for Stealing Friend’s Identity

In May of 2015, Mary Beth West reported to detectives that her neighbor and friend, Tonya Pizarro, had used West’s identity information to open a Brylane Home Furnishings account.

West later discovered that Pizarro also opened a Home at Five account, in West’s name.

Through investigation, Detective Irene Gray obtained copies of the applications that were used to open both accounts. Detective Gray confirmed that West’s name and social security number were utilized to open the on-line accounts. Both Internet companies are catalog only businesses and do not have storefront locations.

Investigation revealed that the items purchased in West’s name were shipped to Pizarro’s home address of 7443 Mead Drive in Spring Hill. Some of the items purchased included bedding for Pizarro’s newly redecorated bedroom, as well as bedding for her son’s bedroom, and “Chef Du Jour” kitchen items.

While speaking with Ms. West, she indicated to Detective Gray that she had seen the new bedding in Pizarro’s home; however, she did not know at the time that the items were purchased with the use of her identity information. West also advised that Pizarro is a collector of “Chef Du Jour” items.

Mary Beth West told Detective Gray that she never gave Tonya Pizarro permission or authorization to use her personal identity information (name and/or social security number) to open any accounts.

Further investigation revealed that all purchases were made on-line from Pizarro’s Bright House account at the Pizarro residence.

Detectives made contact with Pizarro who denied all allegations of using Ms. West’s identity information. Pizarro did confirm that she does make purchases from Brylane Home Furnishings and that she is the only person in her home that makes purchases on line.

A warrant for the arrest of Tonya Pizarro W/F DOB/01-15-1968 was issued on 06-26-15.

Later that day, Pizarro was placed under arrest, charged as follows:

– Criminal Use of Personal Identification
– Bond – $6,000.