A four-month investigation by federal and local law enforcement agencies in the Tyler area have resulted in charges against 21 people accused of credit fraud.
Nine suspects are in custody so far in the case developed by the FBI, Tyler police and other local police agencies. A Tyler Police Department statement says the suspects would go online and use stolen identities to obtain multiple loans.
The victims were unaware of the fraudulent loans in their names until they were contacted by the loan company for default of payment.
The 21 are charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, which is punishable upon conviction by up to life imprisonment. Each of the nine in custody have bonds set at $750,000.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
