Hi there. >> How are you today? >> I'm good. Jaco? >> Yes, sir. >> Jaco? >> Um Mr. Sam, I'll get him for you. Just give me one second. Hi, come on in. I have a little situation. >> Sure. >> Sorry, I got my uh supervisor on the phone. Um that Okay, that person right there with the >> The black wig? >> Yeah. >> The wig? >> The wig on? >> Mhm. >> Um just confirmed that that's not the person they're pretending to be because they're from Richmond and I just called the son and he's like, "No, my mom's at work." And the notes on the account show that their person ID was stolen. [clears throat] And they tried to cash a check for $200. There's not even close to that amount in there. And the signature doesn't match. Not a bit is right. >> Okay. All right. All right, let me go try to make contact with her. >> Yeah. >> Who is she claiming to be? >> Huh? >> Is she claiming to be? >> I didn't see her with anyone. >> Uh who is she claiming to be? >> She's claiming to be Deborah Cole. >> Go ahead. >> Claiming to be Deborah Cole. >> Deborah Cole. >> Okay. >> Temple. We'll be inside. Hi there, how are you doing? >> Fine. >> Doing all right? Um So, I just got a uh a call to check your your identification. >> She has it. >> She has the identification? What's your name? >> Denise. >> Denise? Okay. Yeah. Okay. >> she has it. I mean I don't know what to What do you mean? >> Okay. >> I don't know what's going on. I have a funeral that I'm trying to get money together for, so >> Okay. >> That's all. >> You said you're Denise? >> Yeah. What's wrong with it? I mean it's just what's going on. I have like all of my identification. Like, you know what I'm saying? >> Okay. >> Um no, not Denise. I'm so sorry. Um like I just Wow. You just I'm dealing with family member being lost. I mean I don't understand. I was perfectly fine. See? >> Okay. >> Like >> [laughter] >> Okay, so you're saying that you were Denise, but it's actually Deborah? >> Yes, I'm sorry. You had me all discombobulated. I'm talking to my friend Denise on the phone. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Do you have any other forms of identification? >> She has it right there. That's all I have. I have I mean I have everything that you need. I don't get it. >> So she has your like driver's license? >> Yeah, she has it right there. >> Okay. What's your date of birth? >> It's I'm a >> a question about your identification, okay? >> I know I know that you are and I understand that. >> I think you understand why we're here. >> I Why do now and I don't get it though. Like this >> Okay, so So let me just start from the beginning. So what's your last name? >> I just And I just told you. >> Can you spell it for me? >> Yes. >> And your first name? >> It's Deborah. >> Okay. And your middle name? >> Why do you need my middle name for? I gave you everything. It's >> Okay, so you having to check your phone for all that? >> No, I don't. I'm just having to I'm asking I don't understand where this is coming from. I come in here for my account to cash a check and I have all of my identification and I don't just don't get it. Like >> So, we're not 100% sure that you're who you're claiming to be. >> Well, I know. I mean, well, obviously now, I mean, shoot, I've been trying to get all of this stuff together for this, you know what I'm saying? So, yeah, I don't get it. >> Okay. >> I mean, I have to call and like cuz I feel like I mean, this is crazy. >> Okay. Well, so you you understand that you can't be lying about your information and >> I know. I know that. I just don't know what to I don't know what you guys want me to >> I just want you to tell the truth as far as like who you actually are. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Cuz we understand what's going on. >> I mean >> Okay. I you do too. >> I mean, okay, it is what it is. I mean Yeah. >> So, what's your actual name? >> My name is I was asked to do I get cuz I'm I need money and I didn't realize it was like this, so. >> Okay. >> I just wanted to do this. Like, I don't know what else to >> So, you have your actual ID? >> I do have my actual ID. This is crazy. That's crazy. >> Okay. All right, if you don't mind just having a seat for me over there. Okay, so this is your correct address on Poplar Circle? >> Okay. Before we're done talking with you, will you separate your personal from personal, please? No weapons on you, though? >> No. >> 17-0000 teddy card? >> That's crazy. I just got >> So, you said you were doing it because you needed money? >> I No, I went to eviction court today. I have 5 days to get out. I'm on housing and I'm trying to get my college financial aid license. >> Yes, ma'am. >> And I mean, I don't They're trying to tell me I have 5 days to get out and I Somebody came to me and I was like, "Yeah, I need money." They were like, "Okay, well, I just need you to do this." And I mean, I know probably sounds stupid, but I have no car, I have no family here. You know what I'm saying? I needed money and cuz they're trying to give me 5 days to move out. >> Okay, so >> And I can't not let my kids have anywhere to go. >> How many kids do you have? >> I have four. I don't have a history of this. I haven't been in trouble. You know what I'm saying? Like nothing like that. >> Okay. And so, how much are you How are you asking for? What kind of How much money were you asking for? >> I don't know. The check was just for 45. I mean, I'm not getting all of it. >> 4,500? >> cuz it's not all I was just supposed to housing for $1,000. >> So, how do you know this Deborah? >> I don't. I don't know anything >> How did you get her information? >> I It was given to me. >> It was given to you? >> Mhm. >> Who gave it to you? >> I can't tell you the name cuz I don't know them. >> You don't know them? >> No, I just know a her name on a phone. That's all. >> Okay. But how did they end up giving it to you? They knew you were in a bind and so >> Well, no. I mean, no, I had It's a long story, yeah. I don't even what know what to say. Like, I met them on a dating site and it just conversation turned into you know, cuz I was going through all of this and they were just like, "Well, I mean, we just need you to cash a check." And I was like, "Okay." I didn't know the extent of it until You know what I'm saying? Today. >> Right. Right. >> Or anything like that. So, I don't know their I don't know like their name or nothing like that. >> Okay. >> Like, I mean, >> So, you're not sure who it was? >> No, I mean they brought me here. You know what I'm saying? But, I don't know where I mean, I'm sure they're gone by now and I don't have You know what I mean? I don't have their >> Okay, so they drove you here? >> Yeah. >> What kind of vehicle was it? >> It was a blue BMW. >> A blue It wasn't the white one? >> Um I Yeah. >> Okay. >> All right. Well, as long as y'all know who I'm okay >> [laughter] >> cuz I don't I don't know how far they go. I know that's not funny to laugh but I don't know how what exactly cuz like I said, I didn't know the extent of it on everything until today. Like, I mean I thought it was just going to go and cash the check. You know what I'm saying? And [clears throat] this first time I've ever done it, so I just >> Okay. >> Like when >> Were you doing it Were you doing it for him or for you? >> No, I was doing it for them. I was just going to get a little bit of I was just going to get some money. You know what I'm saying? Like, I wasn't that wasn't for all that wasn't all for me. Yeah, like I'm not like the mastermind or anything like that. They was just telling me that I would get some money out of it because I have 5 days to move. I was like, "Okay." cuz I have no income coming in. You know what I mean? I'm fixing to start school. I want housing and like I said I need to make sure that when we move me and my kids have somewhere to go with no income and I have no vehicle. I didn't know how I was going to get any money because I tried talking to my landlord to let them give me time until I get my income tax at the end of the month. And she was like She said a whole bunch of stuff. But, yeah, it's not for me at all. >> Okay. >> I just was going to get some money out of it. >> And what what was his name again? >> I told you I don't know that. I just >> You don't You don't know his name? >> No, I know Ezzo and that's it. That's all my phone >> Ezzo? >> Yeah, that's all. >> Okay. Is it >> That's what I have in my phone. >> A white male? >> I've never met him, but who I came with was a white >> Okay. So, the person you came with was the one that gave you all the these credentials. Okay. Can you describe that person to me? >> Uh black, short hair, goatee, a man. >> Are they leaving? Are they still here or what? >> I have no idea. >> What are they driving? I don't know. I thought I told him about it. People in the parking lot probably saw the popo and they burned out. >> Yeah. I like, you know >> Okay. Oh, that's Honey. Okay. He'll He'll come back. So, I need to give him this >> Yes. >> That's the correct line. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you. >> The check, did you sign it? >> No. >> Who signed it? >> I don't know. It's going to be in the back. >> Let's give it to you in the back. >> Okay. Yeah, absolutely. I'll tell you anything you need to know now like okay, they got me leaning and they were my ear. You know what I'm saying? Like I said, I did not know the extent of it until today. I thought oh, it's just going to go and cash the check and get some money from it. You know what I'm saying? But, they went from that to You know what I'm saying? And everything like that. So, >> Where are you from? >> I'm from Austin. >> Austin. >> Yeah, it's >> Where did you meet this Where did you meet What city are you How did you link up with this guy? >> No, he came here to get me. I I live here right now. >> Okay, so you're in Brownsville. >> Yes, I live here. And um and he came and picked me up. You know what I'm saying? And You know what I mean? That's like the extent of what I just told you is exactly what I know. They came and picked me up in a white BMW. It was him and some other dark guy. The other guy was dark, too, but he was like a light skin. And the driver had gold teeth. I don't even know their names. And um then, like I said, I didn't know the extent of it until we got here cuz I had like I had my hair all, you know what I mean? Just done up, and then he gave me that. Then he gave me the ID, the two checks that were already filled out. They were signed on the back. And um I can give you I mean whatever information I'll give you whatever information that I have. >> Okay. >> Basically, I mean cuz like I said, did I make a wrong decision? I most definitely did. I mean but I tried to go through the court and tell them, "Look, I get my income tax at the end of the month." Do you know what I mean? Like my kids are my everything, and I do everything for my kids. I needed money. I don't have anybody here. I don't have family. I don't have none of that stuff. You know what I'm saying? And the way it came across to me was it wasn't anything Do you know what I'm saying? Like like that. I did not think that it was anything to this extent until he picked me up, we got here, and then it was like bam bam bam bam bam pow. You know? >> Yeah. >> And I was kind of like I didn't know what to I didn't know what to do at the moment. You know what I'm saying? It's like I'm already here. Like I don't know. You know? Like >> Are you willing to uh talk to one of our detectives? >> I sure will. If I'm not going to cuz I'm not going to go to jail for this like at all. I again it wasn't I it wasn't anything illegal from what they told me. Do you know what I'm saying? And then when I got in >> Did you think You seem pretty reasonable. Did you think that putting on a wig, using an ID that's not you, >> No. >> cashing a check that belongs to someone else >> No. No. That's what I'm saying. Once >> Mhm. All of this. >> I'm just telling you like what what you did here. >> Mhm. >> Did you think that that was illegal? >> yes sir. Yeah, I did. I did and but again, I was it was like I just got hot like you know what I mean? Like I just got out of court this morning about that. I tried to talk to my landlord see if and she was like I'm sorry but she had to go. 5 days with no not having your family here or anything like that. Like I mean >> We got you. We're trying to speed this up for you but uh if you want to make a call and see what they want to send a detective over here or a doctor. >> Okay. >> You know what I mean? >> Yeah. >> I said talk to this detective now. I think he said that he would be willing to talk [snorts] to her. Uh we can meet her up there. Um just said a 59 here. He said if it's not criminal offense, we can do that at 59. >> How many will be? >> Yeah, they won't prosecute. >> Mhm. >> They won't press charges. >> Yeah, so what did they do? 95 then he he doesn't want [snorts] to take it. >> Yeah, he said um she can talk. >> Either or? >> Mhm. >> So we can take her up there like this until she talks to the detective and figure out what we're going to do after. >> Mhm. >> Okay. All right. You go there? I'm going to go there. >> Yeah. >> Did he already contact them? So they're not bombarded when we're up there and be like hey. Here we got someone to talk to. >> Yeah. >> I'm guessing he's in there, right? >> He was going to check with uh call me back and come up here. Tell her tell her I'll be over for sure. Think he's working on video and working on that gentleman's info with the branch manager. >> Mhm. >> And I guess follow up with the we can do that later with the actual owner of the items. Right. Walk her herself. >> Cool. >> Mhm. >> So we're going to take you up there if you're willing to go with us to speak to a detective and we'll figure out everything here, okay? >> in line. >> Okay. If I check your jacket, okay? Nothing? >> You can go and stand up. Nothing concealed on your person at all, anything like that? Yeah. >> No. >> Nothing hidden, nothing illegal? >> No, I'm sorry. I was just pulling my pants up. They look tight. >> Okay. Any reason we should put you in handcuffs? >> No. >> You want to empty out your pockets for me? Okay. Here you go. >> Okay. >> Let me check your purse. >> Okay. Nothing in there? >> Nothing illegal in there? >> No. >> Okay. >> There we go. Thank you. >> Yep. >> I don't know why my thing wasn't working. So, this is uh >> Okay. >> I'll have you come on. >> And that way I can get over there real quick. >> Wow. >> It's a lot of glasses. >> Yeah. >> Just have a seat for me. >> Okay. >> Either or. Uh and I'll be with you in 1 second. >> Awesome. >> Not yet. >> Okay. Okay. Um Okay. Okay. Okay. All right. All right. All right, Ms. Seabolt. I don't obviously you can just heard me talking to you with Officer Lee. >> Yes, sir. >> Um I don't know anything about what's going on today other than what I saw with the call notes and all that kind of stuff. >> Right. >> As of right now, you're not under arrest, okay? >> Okay. >> Um I I was told that you had some information regarding kind of what happened today and the person that gave you all this kind of stuff. Uh but because you're here and you're technically detained [music] and everything, I do have to read you your rights. That doesn't mean you're going to jail, okay? But understand that um that because you aren't free to go right now, I do have to read you that, okay? You understand that? >> Yes. >> Okay. So uh you have the right to remain silent. Do you understand these rights I have just read you? >> I >> Do you knowingly, and uh waive or give up these rights, meaning you want to speak to me? Okay. All right, just walk me through today. What happened today? >> Well, I mean, really it just it it it stems from back I met I met this guy on dating website. >> Okay. >> Okay. And me and my family have been through a lot. Me and my children have since the past couple since COVID hit. And we've been homeless, like, you know, all that kind of stuff. I finally got into housing, and things were looking up. I'll be broke. I don't care. One thing I don't I'm not going to mess with is where me and my children lay our heads. >> Okay. >> I don't want to be homeless again. >> Okay. >> Okay. Well, the guy that I had speak been speaking to that I met on dating website, we've been talking, and I go through things, you know, and of course, as anybody gets upset by it. So, you know, every time I went through something, he'd know. I told him, and he was like, "You'll be okay. You'll be okay." It Then he started talking to me about you know, making money, and I was like, "What do you mean making money?" And he was like, "Nothing." He's like, "I just, you know, I just I need you to cash a check." I'm like, I just got an eviction papers. You know what I'm saying? And I'm not being evicted because my rent isn't paid cuz I'm on housing or anything like that. For some reason, me and my landlord, she just doesn't like me for some reason. >> What Are you living in Brian? >> Yes. >> Okay. Where do you live at right now? >> I live off of >> Okay. So, >> Yeah, that's correct. >> Letter E? >> Mhm. >> Okay. So, that's So, you're getting evicted out of >> Mhm. >> Okay. All right. >> And I just went to court this morning for my eviction. >> Okay. >> And that's the only reason why I even did it, you know what I'm saying? >> Did Say >> that I would cash the check. >> Okay. >> Cuz see, when he when it was explained to me, all of this, I had no I didn't know about. I thought that he was just going to write me a check, and I was going to go cash it. That's all. And then they came and picked me up, and it's them. There's two There's two males that came and picked me up. >> Okay. >> And then um >> Is one of them the dude you're seeing? >> No. No, cuz I hadn't ever met the guy that I seen. We just had just had conversations over the phone. Like we had never actually met up. You know what I'm saying? >> The guy that you been talking to. >> That I met on the dating website. >> What What dating site? >> Uh Facebook. >> Okay. Okay. What does he What does he go by on Facebook? What's his username? >> going to lie to you because his name is Zoe in my phone. If I look through my phone and look at the dating like I can show you his profile. But that's like okay, I can get it. >> Uh yeah, you don't have to. I mean as soon as you search first and search, right? >> Yeah. I >> Um Is this your phone? >> Yes. My phone is so stupid. Look, and then see look. And That's They have all Cuz they had me on whatchamacallit. They had They gave me the headphones. Here, I'll go back. But I'll I'll show you the phone number in just a minute. That scares me. Cuz I don't know how big this guy is. You know what I'm saying? Like what if Cuz they had me on the phone, you know what I'm saying? In the earpiece. And the fact that it was still going and it wasn't hung up. Like that really kind of scares me. But I hope they're not Like [snorts] are they going to Have >> I don't know. Um all right. >> Okay, so let me let me continue to go. Okay, so >> Oh, so you So you met this guy Zoe on Facebook. You started talking to him on Facebook. >> Yeah, and we've only had We've only had phone conversations and You know what I'm saying? We're not phone >> long? >> It's only been like a couple like 2 months maybe. >> Okay. >> Like talking texting type not really talking on the phone cuz my children are always running around and stuff like that. So I don't I don't like to talk on the phone. To anybody, really. Well, let me see. >> When's the last time you talked to him? >> Um he text me this morning, but the people that came out was not like cuz it was He text me this morning asking if I was okay. I was like, "Yes, why?" He never responded back to me. Then they told me that they were there to pick me up. So. >> Okay. >> Um >> Well, it's Facebook, right? So, he should be the most recent should be >> No, because we hadn't No, cuz I got his phone number. So, we hadn't contacted each other on Facebook. We were contacting through phone. So, I can give you his number. >> Can I see his Can I see the the text messages? >> Mhm. >> Are you like uh Do you have Do you have cellular on this thing? >> It's a government phone. >> Okay, yeah. >> [snorts] >> I don't know. What do you mean? Like, does it have service? Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, okay. Oh, [ __ ] [ __ ] [ __ ] What is that? Okay. There you go. And that. >> So, that's him saying, "Hey, you okay? Yes, why?" He never res- So, how >> responded. And then this is this phone This is who told me that Oh, that's [snorts] not right. >> You don't want to turn it off? >> Yeah, well, I wasn't going to. I was just seeing if it was them. You know what I'm saying? Okay, this is who picked me up. That phone number. Cuz I don't know their names, so I just put it as work. Yeah, I don't know. And there was two of them. The one that was driving is not the person's who phone number this is. The person that gave me all of this stuff >> Uh-huh. >> is not the number. This is not who Like, the person that gave me the stuff, the driver, >> Uh-huh. >> I did not have his number. I didn't >> What did I What did the driver look like? >> He was a black male, short, light hair. >> Okay. It wasn't like faded or anything like that. Um he had gold teeth and he had pimples. >> Okay. Did he Did he talk? >> Yes. >> Okay. Uh did he sound American? >> He did sound American except for some stuff that he said like would make you think he African. >> Okay. >> Like cuz he he kind he was on the phone with somebody and um I thought it was like, you know, some people have like codes, whatever whatever. I thought that maybe that's what it was, but then it could have been like African or like I don't know if that's a different language or anything like that. >> What did they pick pick you up in? >> A white BMW. >> Car? SUV? >> SUV. >> Do you remember the license plate on it? >> No, cuz I wasn't paying attention again until I had gotten in the vehicle and everything. I didn't know I mean I was just going to cash the check. >> Did you call Did Did he Did Did he give himself a name? Did y'all call him? Did the other dude call him by a nickname or something? >> I didn't get any I didn't get any names. I wasn't I'm not going to lie to you. I wasn't paying attention to them what they're saying because I've always been the kind of person where if it's not my business, I don't really try to, you know, listen too much or if I'm not being spoken to, then I don't pay attention. So, they had they were having conversations, but again I don't think that they were trying to let really me know anything because he kept saying the word situation and I'm like what is the situation? You know what I'm saying? >> Okay. >> And then that's when we stopped and he gave me the ID and that and he gave me the two checks. He told me to cash the uh whatever the $4,000 and something one and that's when I was like cuz again I thought I was going to be I thought I was I was just going to cash the check in my name. I didn't know that it was like to that extent. So when he stopped and he turned around and started talking to me and started handing me all this, I mean I didn't >> Okay. >> I was conflicted basically because I have to worry about me and my kids in 5 days where we're going to go with no money and no vehicle or anything and me like and I know that this is wrong but I'm also like I I didn't drive. They came and picked me up. I'm in the car with them. I don't really know the extent of anything except now it went from me catching a check to now I'm using an ID uh they're putting a wig on me and all that kind of stuff. So I mean >> So let me ask you this. Was was this this driver do? Was he a younger guy and older guy? >> He's probably in his 20s. >> In his 20s. Okay. >> Both of the second one probably maybe early late 20s maybe early 30s. >> So the black male as well? >> Yes but he was like a brown color not black black. Like >> Like like pretty light like a light skin lighter skin tone? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> The driver was like black black. >> Dark complexion? What color What kind of hair did he have? >> I really I didn't see him as much as I saw the driver because I was sitting behind the passenger seat. >> Okay. >> Um I'd say like a a low buzz cut. >> Okay. >> You know. >> Uh any hats on or anything that they were wearing that's >> Um the second one also had um gold teeth. >> Okay. >> But I think the one in the passenger seat you could take his gold teeth out but I the one in the driver seat no his >> [laughter] >> You know what I mean, right? Okay. >> I get it. Okay. Let me ask you, I know you said you were short on money, you got kids, everything like that. Were you going to get a cut? >> Yeah, I wasn't getting it This wasn't my I was just going to get a some out of it. That's all. >> were you going to get? >> I They didn't tell me. >> tell you? >> No. >> Okay. Usually it's like 10% or something. >> I They didn't They didn't tell me. >> never met these dudes before? >> No. >> You get You get called by this number at >> Well, he had text me at um He had text me yesterday and then he had text me this morning. >> I'm going to look at this, right? >> Go ahead. And that was just all about me going to court this morning and stuff like that, so. >> Texting this work. So, that started at 8:21 this morning. >> Yeah. >> Um what time do you think you're going to get out so we can be on the way cuz you know it's a little drive. >> Uh-huh. They They were coming from Houston. >> Of course they were. Okay. >> But one One thing I can tell you from what I caught is I got a lot of like not a lot information, but a lot of like I think that they're bigger than what like obviously because they were giving me IDs and stuff like that. That had caught me off guard. But at the simple fact that they're out of Houston, you know Well, I don't really want to say out of Houston. I think that they [music] This is my assumption. Is I think that they go all over the place. >> What makes you think that? >> Because um the gentleman was the one that we were driving was talking on the phone. And like I said, I don't try to pay attention to everything, but there are certain things that like will stick out, you know what I mean? And he had said something about New York and stuff like So, I just That I mean >> Yeah. >> I can't I mean, I'll give you every piece of information I have, but those are the only two numbers that I have, the Zo and then this work phone, and that's it. I do not I do not know their names. I don't I mean, as far as I can tell you what they look like. >> Were you going to get So, here's the thing. Um so I've looked at these I've been dealing with these kind of cases for a long time. I can tell you they do stretch out across multiple states. Okay? >> Mhm. >> Um it's not just Texas, it's not just Houston, it's all over, okay? The last case I did stretch from here to Colorado, okay? Um so uh and a lot of the time what they're looking for is white or Hispanic women. Usually with some issues with drugs, okay? >> Of course. >> is because that hooks you. You need that fix. >> Right. >> Do you have a drug problem? >> No, I have a money problem. >> Yeah, >> [laughter] >> all right. Um and that's usually the case, and it's because you you can go in most of the time the people that you uh are trying to impersonate all right? Um are white women victims. So, you can fit that bill, okay? Uh so, you didn't bring the the wig? >> I did not bring the wig. There was another car we had parked another car. It was a Kia. Um like a grayish like the electric one that That's the one that has the N and N, right? Well, on the front. Do you know which one I'm talking about? It looked like I always think Nine Inch Nails, I don't know why. >> Okay. >> But >> So >> Um I know it's a Kia, but it's the electrical one. It was a SUV. >> Okay. >> Okay? It was gray. >> Okay. >> And um we had >> like a like a dark gray? Sorry. >> Yeah. >> Or am I going to ask like a >> Like a silver no it was darker than this I'm not going to lie. Um and we were sitting there and he and they I mean I knew it was he because I could see the hand when it came out of the car. Um he had opened the back door and handed him bag which had the wig in it and gentleman in the driver's seat took it out cut off the the tag and had done the little lace thing cuz I don't I don't know what it was before I style it you know and only thing I saw was his hand but his hand was black. >> Okay. >> And um >> And that was somebody out of the backseat? >> Of the the Kia. Didn't their windows were like super tinted so you couldn't see anything. You know what I mean? >> Yeah. >> Um, he started rolling it down his window what and I was I looked over cuz it out of habit you know what I mean and I looked over and I guess as soon as he saw me look over he like raised the window and >> Yeah. >> stuck his hand out so but yeah I didn't he just he handed me that he handed me the ID and they had when he when he got it it was in a napkin. >> Hey, you know what? You can sit here if you want to do you know what happened to the Deborah ID? Um, I think the um >> Did the bank keep it? >> No, I think the other officer had it. Maybe I don't know. >> I think the clerk had it and I'm not sure if officer Knight might have it. >> Oh, okay. Was there any >> Cuz the other cuz there was I had this one they had told me to cash the other one and then if it went fine to try and cash that one. >> Okay. >> And I wasn't going to do that. I just I just wanted to get that one because really in all honesty after that I just wanted to go home. You know what I mean? And just be done with it. >> So so when they handed you okay this check >> I didn't sign it. >> You didn't sign it? >> No, I didn't do I didn't sign anything. I didn't do anything, but they don't >> Did you sign that? >> Nope. They gave it all to me. That's not even supposed to be in my hand my handwriting. I write big and bubbly. And but no, I didn't I did not do anything with anything. They gave me everything. And I don't know how they got their information or anything like that, but like I said, when he got back in the car from the other car this that the ID and the other check were in like a napkin. And the get gentleman in the driver's seat that had it, he wasn't even touch I don't It was like It was really weird. >> So So do you remember where y'all pulled up at? Where y'all Where y'all >> In the beginning I know because I'm not from here, so I'm not very But um I do know where the Workforce Center is where connected with housing. >> Yeah. >> That's first That's where we pulled up at. >> Okay. >> And when Yeah. And that's >> the street from the bank, right? >> Yeah, cuz I didn't even know that that You know what I'm saying? That that's where we were going. I don't I don't really honestly don't even know what I was going to happen. You know what I mean? I did I just figured like I said cash the check. They were going to write it out to me. I was going to go in. You know what I mean? We pulled up in the parking lot I'm sitting and then he's on the phone. The other car pulls up and that's when he gives him the bag with the um that little the little black thing for the wig and then for the wig. And yeah. >> And so the driver gets out. >> He goes in the car with the guy. >> Into the car with the the gray Kia, comes out with the check, the credit card, and the ID in a napkin, and then someone in the back >> back. No, I was the only person in the backseat. >> No, I mean >> Okay, of the Kia, yeah. >> hands a bag with >> with the box that goes to this and the box for the wig. >> kind of bag it was? >> I'm guessing the bag from the wig store. >> Oh, it's just like a plastic bag. >> Yeah, it was just Yeah, yeah. Like they had just went and purchased it type thing. >> So, and then they they they hand you that stuff and what was the instructions? >> To go in there and try to cash the other one if it if everything seemed like it was going fine, then yeah. And he told me to not speak, but they would ask me questions like if everything was okay and I was to be like mhm mhm. I was like, okay. So, I mean, I did just that. Like I went in there, I gave the lady the ID, I gave her the check, and then I just sat there and answered her questions and >> you going? So, this has gone a couple ways, that's why I'm asking. >> Right. >> Were you going to cash the check or were you going to deposit then withdraw it? >> No, just cash. >> What did they What was that was >> That's what they told me, just cash it. >> Did you have another check? >> The one that the officers took. It was just two. >> So, yeah, you had two checks. >> Mhm. The one that I tried to cash and then this one. >> So, you So, they wanted you to cash the 4,000 something Was it 4,000? >> 4,200 or 4,000? >> Yeah, they wanted me to cash that one first and if everything went well, he told me to tell the lady, "Okay, well, actually, you know, I'm out of I I'm running out of time. Can you go You know what I thing. So, and then they had said it was for a funeral. So, I mean, I didn't I just said what they told me to say. Like I said, cuz as soon as all of this whole thing came like the wig and all that, >> Yeah. >> I was just like, [ __ ] I'm in over my head. I don't even know what to do type thing. >> All right. So, how do we how do we going to guys. Tell me. I mean, if anything, I'm not sure cuz hey, I'm down. You know what I mean? Cuz I just want to go home. I was just trying cuz I have 5 days. No vehicle, nothing to move for me and my kids. So, I was just cuz >> Have you ever Let me ask you this. So, I'm going to explain to you what what how this how deep this goes, right? So, these guys somewhere have this lady's social security number. They have her ID Well, they had her ID, but what they do is they make copies of it. They have her bank account. So, I don't know Miss >> Right. >> Texas. I don't know that. >> Right. >> I can go to my list of victims from my other cases and see if I know her, but I don't off the top of my head I don't know her. I would be willing to bet my month's salary that she has had some kind of identity fraud stuff going on. Probably some bank fraud Obviously some bank fraud stuff going on. Um I'd be willing to bet all of her accounts have probably been shut down and all that kind of stuff. And, you know, she's essentially affected for a very, very long time, okay? It goes It's not something as simple as just cashing a simple check. >> Right. It's a Okay. >> And you're you're a pawn in this, right? They They They use you. You >> to pretty much take the fall or whatever. >> Yeah, cuz to you to them, you're just you're expendable. That's right. But, um so, where we where we kind of get at this is uh >> I'll help y'all. I don't have a problem. >> And and here's here's here's where you run into an issue is they know you got arrested or at least stopped by the cops, so they're probably done with you. >> Well, >> You know. They >> Probably. >> They're looking out I mean, if >> was texting knowing that the cops were coming. >> Right. >> So, >> And didn't even say anything or nothing like that. >> So, that's going to put you in a spot if you walk out of here and you're trying to get with them to to >> Right. >> to do whatever needs They're probably going to drop you and they're not even going to deal with you anymore. >> Well, >> Does that make sense? >> Yeah, it does. I've watched enough cops do Well, what I I could do is like a couple days from now like I just go silent. You know what I mean? And then I could reach out after a couple days because then they would think I'm in jail. >> Yeah. >> You know what I'm saying? I had to wait to get bailed out and all that kind of stuff. And then I can hit them up and be like what the hell? You know what I'm saying? >> Yeah. >> Type thing. Because if I get out right now, of course they're going to be like, "Oh, you're trying to tell on me." >> Right. >> So, but if if I'm I'm just like no contact, no nothing for a couple days and then like come this weekend like I just got out of jail or something like that. >> Right. Um Can you try to find Zoe's Facebook profile? >> I can. And I wouldn't even I wouldn't even been in this if I didn't have 5 days to leave move. You know what I'm saying? I'll be I'll be broke. I don't care. I've home owned myself for the past couple years. I don't care as long as I I have a place to lay my head. That's the only thing that has had me stressed. >> You said you had kids. Uh where are the kids at right now? >> They're at home. I have older children. >> Doing what? Oh, okay. Okay. >> They're Yeah. They're safe. >> Okay. Okay. But you've never met Zoe in person. >> No. >> Zoe was kind of front liner for kind of kicking this off. >> I think he's the person that I mean that tries to find people because it's on a dating website. Like, you know what I mean? Trying to pretend like you're interested in somebody and all that kind of stuff about your lies and like that's just so messed up. Like, what in the world is going on? It's just I mean, you just can't You just can't trust anybody anymore. Like, people being genuine, people like really caring and stuff like that. Like, it's just That's why I don't have no friends. I know. Okay, I be I'm on another dating website Tagged. I don't know, maybe it would Yeah, I know. Don't laugh at me. I can I look cuz maybe it might be Okay. Cuz I know it's only been like >> What is like his profile like it goes by the name? >> I'm not going to lie. I have so much stuff on it on that my short-term memory loss is not great for me. I mean, good My short-term memory is not that great. Especially when other stuff is going on. So, him being like 2 months ago or a month or two ago, you know what I'm saying? And us not talking I can't I don't know for a little while. I have a lot of people hitting me up. I know. >> [snorts] >> Don't judge. >> I haven't heard of Tagged. >> I was >> Is that new or has that been around a while? >> I I left my kids' dad like 5 years ago. And I don't have friends. I don't So, and I don't go out either. So, the easiest thing was for me to get on dating websites to meet people. I was told about this a couple years ago. But it's really raunchy. Like, some of the stuff that you say is crazy. Okay, I want to say. I'm like I'm trying to think of what >> Don't worry about it. It's okay. >> Well, no, cuz it bothers me because I know that Zo is not the right >> Yeah. >> You know what I'm saying? I know it was more to it, but I can't >> That's fine. Can I Can I look at something real quick? Go ahead. I just want to I'm going pull up your photos. Is that all? >> Oh. >> You got bad stuff in there? >> I have personal stuff. >> Okay. >> That I don't >> I don't I don't care about I know what's in people's phones, okay? >> Okay. Well, I mean, I'm just like shy. >> All I want All I want to know is All I want to prove is that there's not other people's information in there. >> I'll go ahead. I'll go ahead. Go ahead. >> A lot of A lot of times there >> Oh, no, he does cuz see he had me take a picture of that. And then look, this one. >> Mhm. >> Oh, that's the same thing, isn't it? >> So, see? All right. What What did I say earlier? They probably have her social security number, which this picture right here proves that they do. So >> see, I told you in a napkin. They handed it to me in a napkin. There. Yeah. But that's all. I mean, everything else is mine. That's my refund. >> [laughter] >> Did you taxes? >> Yeah. >> All right. >> I'm always on top of those. >> Did you send that picture to him? >> Which one? No. >> This one? >> No. >> All right. >> No. I >> How did you send it? >> No. No, not that one. I had I know that I had sent um a picture like a long time ago, but >> Who's Christopher Carbido? >> I don't know. That is a something that had a Yeah. >> have his social security number? >> Cuz that's one that's something they gave me. That was one of the things that they gave me. >> Who's >> That's my son. >> Okay. Do you have any other pictures of >> Mhm. >> information? >> Nope, cuz yeah, today is the first day that I I only day that You know what I'm saying? So, no, everything else is mine. If you want to, you can look through this. Just cover your eyes halfway. >> [laughter] >> I completely forgot about that. Cuz he had taken my phone yesterday. Cuz um oh boy. >> Who's the >> I mean not yesterday, today. >> Who? >> Uh the passenger. >> Uh uh >> Cuz cuz I couldn't I could not get the earbuds to link. So. He took my phone and was doing it. >> Obviously y'all y'all had talked about something cuz you say Okay, y'all are y'all still in Yeah, [clears throat] we just leaving. Okay, that. So, what what's happening in my home >> From my From my understanding, cuz I had spoken to them yesterday. From my understanding, I was going to go to Houston. That's what I We were going to go to Houston. To catch the check. Okay. >> And >> When did the whole topic of cashing the check come up? >> Yesterday. >> Yesterday. >> Mhm. >> I thought it was today. >> No. No, we had spoken about me cashing the check, but I had thought it was going to be written and put in my name. I did not know the extent of it until today when they started handing me the wig and IDs and all that kind of stuff. >> What did you What was All right. When you thought you were going to get a check legitimately, it written out to you. >> Right. >> What were they going to get in turn? And and and >> Well, they had to No, that's what Even though The only thing that changed for me was all the extra stuff. I knew that when they wrote a check out to me, I wasn't getting the money wasn't mine. I was just going to get some out of it. That They never told me how much I was going to get out of it or anything like that. They just told me that I would get some out of it. I'm not a money-hungry person. I'm not a high-maintenance person. I'm not I I I'm trying to make my life and make ends meet. You know what I mean? I've been through some things. I'm I'm finally at a place I'm trying to I'm trying to do what I've been trying to do for the past 4 years instead of being stuck in a hotel and trying to make sure that everything's right with my housing and stuff. So, it was brought to my attention yes, I have been to jail before. Okay, I'll cash a check. I've had You know what I mean? I've written bad checks on my own account before like a long time ago. So, yes, I know that there was part of that was illegal, but I didn't know that it was to this extent of ill being cuz that that went from me cashing a check to this is forgery and all that kind of stuff. I'm not down with that. I'm not like that. I'm not a criminal. I'm not like that like You know what I'm saying? If that makes any kind of sense. Like >> Yeah. I mean, part Here's the thing. So, you you're given these checks, it's not in your name, you're given a debit card, you're given a license and a wig, and you still go and sell to the bank. Why? >> I know I can't I can't answer that. I mean, just everything >> if you if you >> I mean, I'm telling you like I can't I can't answer that cuz all kinds going in through my head at the time. And one of the things is we need money. You your landlord isn't she's not working with you whatsoever cuz I have to have the court. Can you give me until the end of the month though until I get my income tax? I'll leave. I'll have everything packed up, but you want me to do all this, and I have absolutely nothing. Okay? That is one reason why I went ahead and You know what I mean? Like I went in. I didn't feel comfortable with it, and I >> But, you needed money. >> I basically >> You're in a tight spot. I like that. >> I mean, that that's really what it boils down to. I mean, I'm not saying that I'm not making excuses. Like I did think it was a simple a check being written out to me. >> Right. >> type thing. And then when it came to that, I could have said no and everything. I wasn't I wasn't driving. They had me and my stuff in their vehicle. And I was like you know maybe I needed something to give basically. Like something something has to give because I've been working so hard to get to where me and my kids don't have to worry. You know, and I'm right there and my stupid landlord wants to just make everything just worse for no reason. >> And now you've kind of gotten yourself >> Okay, great. >> [laughter] >> Now you're in a spot, all right? >> Right. >> Where now you're looking at legal trouble. >> Well, I have no problems telling you guys anything. I did not write anything. I didn't do anything and I know that I wouldn't >> is you don't [snorts] you're just like all the other women that I you don't you don't know these you don't know Somewhere in Houston there's a headquarters if you will, a house, apartment, whatever that has all this stuff from all these victims from all over. >> I'm telling you. I mean if you're really I mean I don't want to I'm not made out for this. I'm not like no you know, like I'm really on everything. I'm not. I'm in a bad I was in a bad spot. All I know is I need to move in 5 days. I need money. This by no means was anything I was remotely close to even thinking about or being susceptible to doing. >> Okay. >> I I didn't make a good judgment but at the end of the day like I need something I have something has to give. Something has to work for me like in one way or another. I don't I don't mind doing whatever you guys need me to do to get at least somebody to where you can get your claws in them or whatever, you know what I'm saying? >> Yeah. >> But I mean I don't know cuz I I don't know nothing. I ain't done nothing. I ain't done nothing except for going there and trying to cash a check. I'm not saying that that's any less >> Right. >> um important or anything like that, but >> Okay. >> Like that all that is not known. I'm a mom period. That's it. >> Um All right. >> But if you were wanting me to help you like get a hold of these guys like you I really I'm telling you the truth because my children's dad was a Okay. Turning the phone off, they're going to think I'm arrested. >> Yeah. They are. >> You know what I'm saying? Like if there's any way of me getting in touch back with or them even having any feeling comfortable enough to come and get me again or something to where you could do anything they have they have to I don't want to be in jail >> Right. >> at all, but I have to have think that I'm in jail. >> Right. Well, the the the problem is getting them like there's no Like I said, there has to be some give for some take, right? >> Mhm. >> And I don't you if we had if we had names, if we had stuff that we can go on, then yeah, maybe we can work with you. But I can't just turn you loose and hope that you're going to get this information because that's going to be putting you on a spot as well. >> Look. >> Like I said earlier, I'm explaining >> What do you mean? >> Like I said earlier, that's going to put you a spot, right? >> It's cuz all of a sudden here you are going into the bank. They watch the cops come over. They I've got the messages. They know the cops were there. They know you got taken away in a cop car. >> So, what? >> How is that going to look if you all of a sudden pick up the phone and you're like, "Hey, I'm out." >> No, but that's what I'm saying. That's what I'm saying. Like my phone has to be off. Like I have to turn it off cuz that for that at least 24 hours. >> Yeah. >> You know what I'm saying? Because even if I go into jail you can't be right like I can't I have my phone has to be off for at least 24 hours. You know what I'm saying? And then after that cuz I could have bailed out and then I get out and I can call you guys and say something. You know what I'm saying? But yeah, it has to be at least at least 24 hours cuz I I've had enough speeding tickets and stuff like that to know you don't go to jail and get out any less than 24 hours. >> That's about right. Do you have a What What's the passcode to your phone? >> Uh >> Okay. Um cuz I might have to do a download of that just to make sure um there's not anything else on there. >> I mean that's fine cuz I don't have I like I said, that's not I'm not I'm not that person. Like >> All right. >> I mean I might not be like the most upstanding citizen in the world, but I'm not that I'm not that kind of person. Like I really >> Okay. Um Let me see if Let me see if they're out here. I don't know. Let's see. No. Just sign that for me. Stephanie, here's what's going to happen today, okay? >> Okay. >> You You are going to go go jail, okay? I can't Here's the thing. Um I I want I would like to be able You are a you're a pawn in this. All right? I I don't get a commission check. I don't have any joy of sending you to jail, but you understand where you what you did wrong. >> What I did wrong? >> You understand that, right? >> I do understand what I did wrong. >> Now, you you may think you're getting kind of the raw end of the deal cuz you came to talk to me and you're still going to jail. Because of your cooperation, all right? I could be hitting you with a few more felonies. You're getting charged with one charge. Okay? >> being charged with? >> Fraud. >> You >> Uh fraud It's called forgery. Okay? It's for trying Listen to me. It's for trying to cash the check. Okay? I could be hitting you with a bunch of It's called possession of ID info, identifying information. >> Okay. >> Which is higher than what we're going to be charging you with, okay? But that's what you're going to be charged with because of your cooperation. The reason that you're going to jail I can't just kick you loose, okay? Unless I have something else to work on, okay? Uh if if I could Think of it like I can't send you out there and have you bait them and then us get them without your safety. Do you understand that? Do you Does that make sense? >> I mean, in a way, but it's kind of like, okay, so No, not really. I have to Okay, cuz I'm like right now my mind is trying to process the whole question. >> but here's the thing. Without I can't just kick you loose and then >> without having some >> Correct. I I can't just do that, right? Cuz it goes back to when I was talking to you about trying to ID who these dudes are. That's who I want. >> Right. >> Okay? That's who I want. >> Right. >> But we have to do it figure out who they are in a safe manner without jeopardizing you as well. >> And do you think that I would be in danger? >> Yes, I do. I know these guys in terms of this network. >> Okay. >> Okay? Does that make sense? >> Okay, so now >> So, here's what's going to happen. >> Okay. >> All right, I told you you you are going to go to jail today. >> Okay. >> So, consider yourself under arrest, okay? You are going to go to jail. I'm going to take your phone. I'm going to do a download of it, okay? I'm going to out of respect to you, I'm going to write a search warrant on it. I'm going to get it signed off by a judge. And then I'll give it to our CSI to download, okay? I'm going to give you my card. Uh when you get out, you'll have to see a judge in the morning, okay? When you get out, you can come up here and get your phone, okay? >> How am I going to get out? >> You'll have to go through a bondsman. >> I don't have money for a bondsman. >> I understand that, but you're that's going to be up to how you know >> Okay, now hold on. Now see, Chris, see this is what this See, I'm getting hot. And now I want to I want to speak, you know, okay? Because see this is the I can't go to jail. Because hold on like cuz Let me see. I know that you want their names and I will help you get them. I am not worried about my safety one reason because I might not be a criminal per se in that aspect. >> Right. >> I do know a lot of people in that. You know what I mean? I can speak to them and under and I can get them to believe that what I'm telling them is true. Do you know what I mean? Not saying that I'm trying to do anything like that. I just know criminals. I know my ex. My ex was like a narcissist. He thought he knew everything. I saw him for 14 years lie through his teeth. You know what I mean? So, that's why I can for the most part pick up on a lot of stuff. This being told one thing in person and being told things on the phone is two completely different things. Wanting to have faith because I need money is one thing. Then people I know exactly what they're thinking right now because of my kids' dad. You know what I'm saying? I don't have the money to bail out. My mom does not have the money to bail out bail me out. Okay? If I can't bail out, that means I'm stuck in jail. If I'm stuck in jail and I'm supposed to be being evicted in five I mean, I'm supposed to be out of my place in five days. That means that my kids and my stuff and are going to be outside. What [snorts] I'm saying is I would like to please try and figure something out to where I don't go to jail because I am the only thing my kids have. Okay? And I mean, I don't know and I'm not trying to sound rude by saying this. I don't know if you really do understand like my my kids are my world. And I'm not worried about my safety at all because I'm not saying that this doesn't go higher up and I'm not saying that they're not dangerous. What I'm saying is I don't think that these people that came and picked me up today are dangerous. If anything happens, it's going to trickle down. You know what I'm saying? And I know what's going through their mind right now. You know what I'm saying? Because first thing was was my mind. They're like, is she going to tell? Is she not going to tell? You know what I'm saying? >> Well, here's I already told you this is this is this is what's happening, okay? You are going to go to jail. I can't just let you walk out here and now on the back end if you decide that you want to try and figure out who these dudes are and come to me with that information, we can once you get an attorney, we can get down with the district attorney once you get an attorney cuz you always will get an attorney related to this case today, okay? You want to help us with that investigation, okay? By giving us the information or whatever, okay? Uh then we can work with the district attorney to take care of these charges, but on the front end today I can't just let you walk out of here without facing the consequences of your actions. >> Okay. >> Okay? >> Okay. >> You understand that, right? >> You can't Yeah, I have to I have to take responsibility for my actions. Okay, I don't have a problem doing that. I don't have a problem doing that. What I'm saying is is Okay, you guys take me to jail, you book me and stuff like that. There's not a way that you can get me back out without anybody You know what I'm saying? Like I don't want to >> No, ma'am. We can't do that. No. >> You can't >> department will not No, we're not going to bail you out or any of that kind of stuff. No. That's going to be up to you. >> Okay, see cuz I mean I'm like I said, I'm not I know of the criminal world, I don't never been in like that. I've heard of things. I mean, what do you mean? Like cuz I've heard people >> You can request what's called for a PR bond when you get magistrated by the judge. It's a personal it's personal recognizance bond. >> Right. >> Which you don't have to have any money to get out. That's between you and the judge, okay? Do you have any other questions for Detective Lofton? >> But we don't have my Well, I mean, I'm just saying like cuz >> Do you have any other questions for All right, go and stand up for me. >> You're going to put your other money back, okay? This is yours? >> That was the stocking cap I had on. I mean, I'm just You know, that's why I'm just saying I'm working with you guys if you guys don't You know what I'm saying? Like, I mean, you want all this information, but I can't get a little bit of help in cuz I don't have money. Like, and I'm supposed to be able to >> I >> You know what I'm saying? Like, I'm selling I know. I know. >> Listen, before before this, I did I worked with people that worked with the cops, okay? There is So, I've I've done that. I did that for 4 years, all right? And so, I am a little experienced when it comes to that. It's all about keeping you safe, too, okay? Yes, you came here and you talked and now you feel like you get gypped because you talked to us. You gave me some information. I already told you I We do have the the discretion when it comes to some stuff, not all things, okay? So, >> Well, if I can I mean, basically, I can just tell my mom You know what I'm saying? Like, I mean, I don't know. I'm just worried about going home to my kids. Like, I don't want to be in jail for days or whatever the case may be. And You know? >> I do. I I I understand. But, just next time >> Oh, there's not going to be a next time. I mean, there's not I mean, it only takes one time for me to learn my lesson. I'm just saying. >> She was charged with forgery and sentenced to 2 years of community service. Thanks for watching. Be sure to subscribe for more videos like this. >> Mhm.