Economic Crimes Arrest
Who: Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Operations Bureau -Economic Crimes Unit Patrol Operations Bureau
Steven N. Patton (Victim- Suspect’s brother) DOB: 5/24/1968
Stephone N. Patton (Arrested) DOB: 06/1/1971 Address: Transient Charges: 3 Counts of Fraudulent use of Personal ID Information, 1 Count of Issuing a Worthless Check
What: Detectives assigned to the Economic Crimes Unit have arrested a man for multiple counts of identity theft after he tried purchasing a home, several vehicles, and multiple vessels in the victim’s name. Additional victims possible.
When: The investigation began on May 27, 2016 and is ongoing. The suspect was arrested at about 8:15 p.m. on May 27, 2016.
Where: The investigation was conducted in Pinellas County.
Why/How: Detectives assigned to the Economic Crimes Unit have arrested a man for multiple counts of identity theft after he tried purchasing a home, several vehicles, and multiple vessels in the victim’s name. Additional victims possible.
According to detectives, deputies responded to a local car dealership on May 27, 2016, after the suspect 45-year-old Stephone Patton, tried using the victim’s identification to purchase a new car. Patton was arrested by deputies and was charged with one count of fraudulent use of personal identification and a warrant for worthless checks.
Detectives continued their investigation and determined that over the course of a month, Patton attempted to purchase two additional cars, two jet skis, a Harley Davidson motorcycle, a home, and insurance for four additional vehicles in Pinellas County utilizing the same victim’s identification.
Detectives believe there may be additional businesses that were victimized by Patton. If anyone has information on this investigation or has become a victim they are asked to call Detective Frazho at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office at (727) 582-6200.
The investigation continues.
Booking photo of Stephone Patton.
Non Emergency Line: (727) 582-6200 | In an Emergency call 911ADA info