Cornville AZ (February 9, 2018) – UPDATE – Immediately following the media release issued on January 25, 2018, YCSO began receiving tips naming the suspect as 33- year-old Branden Anderson. As the investigation continued, deputies located additional identifying information documented by a drug store clerk during the suspect’s purchase of cigarettes with the stolen credit card. After reviewing archived booking photos of Anderson, deputies confirmed a match to security photos and also learned Anderson served prison time for trafficking in stolen property and drug possession.
Moving forward, deputies discovered and verified that Anderson was living in a residence in the 2700 block of Mesa Lane, Cottonwood. A search warrant was obtained and served yesterday, February 7, 2018, at the Mesa Lane home. Anderson was arrested and extensive evidence, including stolen property, was recovered during the investigation in the home.
Anderson was booked at the Camp Verde Detention Center on the following charges:
Theft of Credit Card (2 counts), Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card (231 counts), Forgery of a Credit Card (5 counts), Criminal Impersonation (231 counts), Identify Theft (231 counts), Aggravated Identity Theft (2 counts), Theft over $25,000 (1 count), Unlawful Possession of an Access Device (2 counts), Fraudulent Schemes (231 counts), Possession of Meth, and Possession of a Narcotic.
Anderson remains in-custody on a $15,000 bond.
###
Silent Witness Offering a $500 cash reward
Cornville AZ (January 26, 2018) – Between November 20, 2017, and November 22nd, 2017, a credit card was stolen from a mail box in Cornville located in the 1500 block of S. Koch Ranch Rd. The legal card holder/victim was not aware of the theft or illegal use of his card until a payment was requested by the credit card company earlier this month. At that time, the victim told credit card personnel that he never received the card and subsequently filed a fraud notice with the credit company.
During several weeks between November 22, 2017, and the later part of December 2017, the suspect made purchases throughout the Verde Valley and Prescott area totaling in excess of $30,000 as a result of more than 150 transactions. Some of the fraud transactions were conducted in Cottonwood area businesses including Walgreen’s, Fry’s Market, Walmart, and JC Penny.
Deputies initiated an investigation and were able to obtain photos from video surveillance of the suspect directly identified as the purchaser of property using the victim’s stolen card – see photos.
The suspect is described as a White or Hispanic male, between the age of 20-35, 125-165 pounds, 5’-7” to 6’ in height, with brownish colored hair and what appears to be facial hair along his jaw line. The suspect is seen in several surveillance videos wearing a dark colored hat with a light colored emblem embroidered on the hat. The suspect is also seen pushing a young child in a stroller, possibly 2-6 years of age.
If anyone has information on the identity of this suspect and/or his whereabouts, please call the Sheriff’s Office at 928-771-3260 or Yavapai Silent Witness at 1800-932-3232. A tip given directly to Silent Witness becomes eligible for a $500 cash reward. Refer to case no. 18-000321.
Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260.