Tulsa Identity Theft Operation Has National Impact

The widespread reach of a huge identity theft, credit card/check fraud investigation underway in Tulsa County is drawing national attention.  Now federal investigators may get involved in the case.

Tammy Petit is being held in the Tulsa County Jail while investigators with the Sheriff's Office go through hundreds of pieces of evidence gathered at her hotel room.  Not only are investigators going through all the evidence, they're also getting dozens of phone calls from people worried that their identities have been ripped off.

When deputies first responded to a shot fired during a business burglary, they had no idea it would lead to an enormous financial crimes investigation that now covers at least 10 states.

4/8/2013 Related Story: Records Show Tulsa Identity Theft Suspect Has Long Criminal History

Investigators say when Tammy Petit's car was pulled over she admitted to running a huge ID theft operation.  A search of her hotel room turned up more than 600 pieces of evidence, including fake checks, IDs, computers and printers and more - everything needed for an elaborate operation.
 
"Going to be multiple victims here and multiple suspects here," said Major Tom Huckeby of the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators say in just one day since publicly discussing the case, they've taken calls from 75 people worried that their identities or bank accounts may have been targeted by Petit. One call was from as far away as Florida.

The Sheriff's Office has called in extra manpower to go through the hundreds of pieces of evidence seized at Petit's hotel room.
 
In addition to Oklahoma, investigators have found documents and other evidence linked to people and businesses in New York, Connecticut, Florida, Utah, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and Arkansas. Based on the number of states so far, the Tulsa County Sheriff's office has been contacted by the Secret Service and FBI, so the investigation could be turned over to those agencies which would mean federal prosecution.

4/8/2013 Related Story: Are You Protected Against Identity Theft?

Investigators expect financial crimes charges to be filed against Petit by Wednesday.  They say it's still too early to know if three other people taken into custody will face additional charges.