NEWPORT — Police say a Newport man turned himself in after a local investigation into stolen credit cards was conducted earlier in the week.
Police say Shane DeLong, 42, of Newport, is facing larceny charges and numerous counts of fraud after purchases were made on 4 different credit cards, all of which were unauthorized by the owner.
DeLong allegedly took the credit cards from within the victim’s home and used them at multiple convenience stores around the Newport and Derby area, purchasing cigarettes and then reselling them.
At this point in the investigation, approximately 20 separate fraudulent purchases, each individually punishable as the crime of false pretenses, have been discovered.
According to the report, a search of DeLong’s vehicle resulted in the seizure of further evidence of the commission of these crimes.
On Sunday, DeLong voluntarily turned himself in and was issued a citation to answer to the crimes of petit larceny and false pretenses.
“The public is reminded to immediately report suspicion of fraud or identity theft to their financial institutions, lines of credit, and to any one of the main credit bureaus, as well as to the police,” Trooper Daniel Lynch said in a statement.
Members of the public are also being cautioned against buying tobacco products being sold by private parties, or those not a retailer licensed by the Vermont Department of Liquor Control.
