A long time check fraud case has been closed by Everett Police and the Secret Service.
A local Everett woman has been convicted of a 2013 fraud case.
In 2013, detectives with the Financial Crimes Unit began investigating an identity theft complaint. The case expanded into a counterfeit check and identity theft ring involving over 25 suspects, hundreds of victims, a massive amount of forensic evidence, and over $200,000 of loss to victims and businesses. Five felony charges were filed and the case went to trial on January 16th with the defendant, Karey Hinkson, being found guilty on three charges.
“This case was extremely complicated and took dedication to unravel,” said Lieutenant Jeraud Irving of the Investigation Division. “Our detectives worked with victims, financial institutions, and tenaciously followed the clues to their conclusion.”
When the jury reached its verdict, Karey refused to return to court and a warrant was issued for her arrest. She has served prison time for the same type of offenses in the past. This afternoon, Karey was locate and arrested by Everett detectives with the help of the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and the US Secret Service. She will be booked into the Snohomish County Jail.
Detective Jamie French worked this case and reminds the public to take steps to protect their identity. She warns, “Don’t leave anything valuable in your vehicle, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Get a locking mailbox, or better yet, get a P.O. Box. Check your bank accounts and credit history on a regular basis as these simple things could save you hours of work and heartache later on.”
Due to the magnitude of the case, the US Secret Service assisted detectives with the investigation.
Several of the other suspects identified during the investigation were also charged and convicted of various crimes.
Hinkson is expected to be sentenced later this month.
February 2, 2018
Police Blotter