Woman suspected in W-2 thefts, ID fraud

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (WOOD) - A woman who delivered for local publications is suspected of stealing W-2s and other identity-related documents from mailboxes in Calhoun County, then submitting false credit card applications to different financial companies.

Calhoun County detectives began looking into the thefts after getting reports from residents around Homer Township, Albion Township and Eckford Township in the southwest corner of the county. Other reports came from the Marshall area and from Jackson and Hillsdale counties.

They were able to identify an Internet service provider used to submit the applications and later identified a house in Homer Township from where the applications were submitted, Sheriff Matt Saxton said in a release.

A search of that house found private citizens' W-2s, Social Security Administration documents and various credit cards. A separate search at an apartment complex in Jackson County found more W-2s and blank check books stolen from mailboxes.

The one suspect identified is a woman who was a contract deliverer for the Salesman and Morning Star Publications. It's believed she stole these items from mailboxes during her deliveries.

Calhoun County detectives are working with federal authorities and the investigation is ongoing.

If you have any information or believe your information may have been stolen, contact the Calhoun County Sheriff's Department.