POMPANO BEACH, FL — Authorities in Florida and Texas are searching for a woman accused of stealing an elderly man’s identity to carry out a large-scale vehicle fraud scheme.
Debra Rodriquez, 54, is wanted on a Texas felony warrant after investigators linked her to fraudulent luxury car purchases and loan applications totaling around $170,000 across South Florida.
The case began in late February when an 81-year-old man from Buna, Texas reported that someone had used his personal information to purchase a $130,000 vehicle in Miami. As the investigation progressed, detectives uncovered an additional attempt to finance a second vehicle valued at $43,000.
Officials say the scheme was exposed when a third Miami-area dealership became suspicious and contacted the victim directly. Police in Miami Gardens then located and arrested Rodriquez, who was allegedly found with multiple credit cards and identification documents in the victim’s name.
While she initially faced charges in Florida, Texas authorities have since issued a felony warrant accusing her of possessing identifying information belonging to an elderly victim.
Rodriquez is currently being sought by law enforcement. If located, officials say she will be extradited to Texas to face the charges.
