Police bust identity
theft operation

Honolulu police and U.S. postal inspectors seized electronic equipment, fake identity cards, stolen checks and credit cards yesterday and arrested a 30-year-old Kaimuki woman with a history of identity theft.

Police arrested Cathleen Freitas on suspicion of forgery, theft, identity theft, possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

The material and equipment used to produce fake Hawaii driver's licenses are easily obtainable and typical of a one-person operation, said Detective Elizabeth Merrill, Honolulu police Financial Fraud Detail.

"The thing that really stands out is the fact that she's got 27 prior arrests and she's on probation, and she's doing this in a weekend," Merrill said.

Freitas also has seven convictions and 11 pending cases, Merrill said.

Honolulu police are hoping to put her operation out of commission at least long enough to discourage her and others from continuing to commit identity theft.

"We're hoping that we're making enough of an impression with all of the financial crime that's going on right now (and) that the Prosecutor's Office is really behind us to prosecute and hopefully keep these people off the street," Merrill said.

Police said they believe Freitas stole mail from her neighbors and used their personal information to open credit card accounts. Some of the stolen material includes bank statements, personal checks and income tax records from about 20 victims, police said. Officers also recovered a pipe with crystal methamphetamine residue, according to police.

Police had not yet contacted the victims, Merrill said.

Postal Inspector John Murphy said he will be presenting the seized evidence to the U.S. attorney for possible federal prosecution for mail theft.

Police did not find any goods that may have been purchased with the fraudulent and stolen credit cards. They believe Freitas used the proceeds of her enterprise to purchase drugs, Merrill said.

To avoid identity theft, police recommend: