NEWS

"Substantial" identity theft ring found operating in local hotel

Brady Averill

11/15/2007 - Police believe at least 30 people are victims of a possible identity theft ring that was being run out of the Comfort Inn on Highway 13 in downtown Savage. The Minnesota Financial Crimes Task Force has been called into investigate the multiple-victim identity theft case after Savage Police searched a hotel room Tuesday morning (Nov. 13) and uncovered evidence – including a computer – related to the production of counterfeit checks and identification, according to Savage police Capt. Dave Muelken. Police arrested three people Monday evening (Nov. 12) in connection with the case. They secured the hotel room over night and executed a search warrant the next morning. The room was believed to have been rented out since mid-October, Muelken said. A 42-year-old man from St. Paul, a 46-year-old man from Blaine and a 24-year-old woman from Robbinsdale were all arrested. Also, the 24-year-old woman had an Anoka County warrant out for her arrest. “It looks like it’s going to be a substantial case,” Muelken said. The individuals have not been charged because the case involves multiple jurisdictions and police have to obtain statements from victims. Muelken said that the task force believes there could be more than 30 victims. Police were initially called to the Comfort Inn, 4601 W. Highway 13, for a vehicle with a broken window at 4:05 p.m. Monday, Muelken said.