A 72-year old woman who stands accused of stealing the identities of film production workers has held 74 aliases, according to officials from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Cathryn Parker was arrested on March 18 when she gave a false name after being pulled over for an unspecified traffic violation. After learning where she lived, detectives realized that she was using a fake name for her address as well.
Detective Danny Gore said he has never a seen a case such as Parker's in all his years working with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. He added that based on what they have recovered from Parker's residence, it is apparent that fraud were committed there.
"I've been a cop for 20 years ... and this is the first case where I've had this many aliases," Gore said.
Gore and other investigators who were looking into Parker – also known by the names "Jan" and "Katherine Gonsalves" – found what appears to be a Pandora's box of identity theft that had Parker living under no less than 74 aliases over the last five years. Parker has also stolen the identities of at least seven individuals.
Parker, who lives in the Hollywood area, targeted individuals working in the film industry such as members of production — who have low profiles and access to film sets. It's unknown whether or not she was able to get into a set using a false identity. It also appears that Parker paid her utilities using false names and was able to acquire credit cards using the financial information of her victims.
In 2000, Parker was convicted for federal mail fraud. She was caught using the corporate travel account of Jenny Craig Corporation to buy plane tickets, which she sold for $500 each. Records reveal that Parker violated the terms of her release and was taken into federal custody in Northern California as of April 18. After serving time there, Parker will be sent to Los Angeles County to face investigation on her alleged identity thefts.
Reflecting on the magnitude of Parker's fraud, Gore mused that it was her occupation.
"You and I go to work in the morning and spend eight, 10 or 12 hours. I guess if you're in the identity theft business and it's your job, in a sense she went to work," he said.
The current investigation is looking into incidents dating back to 2012, but investigators believe Parker's identity crimes could go as early as 2010. Those who have information or may have been one of Parker's victims are encouraged to contact Gore at (661) 940-3851.
[Photo: GotCredit | Flickr]
