SHERIFF’S OFFICE ARREST TWO IDENTITY THIEVES
Claverack, NY- Columbia County Sheriff David P. Bartlett reports that two men were arrested after a vehicle stop for a traffic infraction on the Taconic State Parkway in the Town of Claverack, yesterday, March 4.
At approximately 9:00am while on routine patrol, K9 Deputy Heath Benansky observed a 2014 Dodge traveling northbound on the Taconic State Parkway at a high rate of speed. During the stop, the operator was placed in custody for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license. Further investigation led to the discovery of 76 pre-paid debit cards that were found to be re-encoded with other people’s identity.
The driver, 20 year old Shaquille J. Espinoza of Brooklyn NY, was charged with seven counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree (Class D Felony), Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree (Class U Misdemeanor) and Speeding (Traffic Infraction).
The passenger, 24 year old Dasean B. Hooper, of Bronx NY, was taken into custody on an arrest warrant out of East Greenbush for 37 counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree and 37 counts of Identity Theft. Hooper was turned over to the Town of East Greenbush Police Department.
Espinoza was arraigned before Judge Brandon in Claverack Town Court and remanded to the Columbia County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear back in court on March 9.
Assisting K9 Deputy Benansky from the Sheriff’s Office was Investigator Patrick Logue and Deputy Scott Kline. Also assisting in this investigation was the United States Secret Service and the District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation is continuing at this time and further charges are pending.
(Pictured is Shaquille Espinoza)