(Hudsonville, MI - WHTC News) - For those who think that identity thieves can get away with anything before their crime is detected can be heartened by some quick work at a Hudsonville motorcycle dealer.
According to Ottawa County Sheriff’s Detective Lieutenant Mark Bennett, red flags began flying at Grand Rapids Harley Davidson on 32nd Avenue last Thursday when a man tried to purchase a new, 20 thousand-dollar chopper, and the name he gave to the customer rep was run through a credit check. A Bellevue man reported that his ID had been stolen, and it was discovered that his name was used to buy other Harleys from dealers in southern Michigan.
After the Hudsonville dealer contacted authorities, a sting operation was set up, which was sprung upon the apparently unaware suspect when he returned on Monday night. The suspect signed more papers, and just before he was given the keys to the chopper, deputies emerged from the shadows and arrested him without incident.
Yesterday, 47-year-old Jerome Ezell of Detroit was arraigned on various charges, and he remains held in the Ottawa County Jail on 20 thousand dollars bond pending his next scheduled court appearance on Friday. Bennett added that other suspects may have also been involved as the investigation into the matter continues.
-Gary Stevens, WHTC/WYVN News
