A Wichita Falls couple is facing serious fraud charges after police uncovered a large-scale identity theft operation inside their home. Authorities say they found over 100 pieces of stolen identification belonging to more than 20 victims.
John Walsh and Jessica Brooks Arrested for Identity Fraud
John Walsh and Jessica Brooks were arrested and charged with fraudulent use or possession of 50 or more identifying documents, a serious financial crime. Their alleged operation was uncovered when Wichita Falls Police Department (WFPD) detectives executed a search warrant at Walsh’s home on Bridwell Street while investigating stolen vehicles.
Inside the house, officers found numerous items and documents linked to financial fraud, along with mail belonging to both suspects mixed with stolen identities.
Discovery of a Fraud Operation
Detectives determined that Walsh and Brooks had set up one of the bedrooms as a “base of operation” for their fraudulent activities. After contacting five of the victims, authorities confirmed that none of them had given permission for their personal information to be used.
As a result, arrest warrants were issued, leading to Walsh and Brooks’ arrests on Friday, March 7. Their bond was set at $200,000 each. While Walsh was later released on bond, Brooks remained in jail as of Monday afternoon.
Investigation Started with a Stolen Vehicle
The fraud investigation began on February 8, when WFPD officers responded to a noise disturbance on Bridwell Street. At the scene, police discovered a vehicle on a car dolly with missing license plates, which raised suspicions.
Upon further investigation, officers confirmed that the vehicle had been reported stolen from Wise County. Walsh was arrested at that time and later confessed to stealing the car and bringing it to Wichita Falls.
This discovery led police to execute a search warrant on Walsh’s property, where they found evidence of large-scale identity fraud.
What’s Next for the Suspects?
With the evidence recovered, Walsh and Brooks face serious legal consequences. If convicted, they could face lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines due to the scale of the fraud. Authorities are continuing to investigate whether additional victims were involved in the case.